Doctors encourage patients to get their flu jabs
Scotland’s doctors today urged patients who are eligible for the winter flu vaccination to take up the offer of the jab when contacted by their GP practice.
The vaccine programme begins this month and will continue throughout the winter months for those people most at risk from the flu bug.
By having the vaccination, patients aged over 65 and those ‘at risk’ can protect themselves from the effects of flu, and in doing so, reduce winter pressure on the NHS.
Dr Alan McDevitt, chair of the BMA’s Scottish General Practitioners Committee, said: “For most of us, flu makes us feel miserable, but doesn’t actually pose any serious risks to our health. Unfortunately, for the more vulnerable, it can cause serious complications and even lead to death.
"It is important that the flu campaign reaches as many vulnerable and ‘at-risk’ people as possible, because it is inevitable that there will be cases of flu this winter. The jab, however, can reduce both the likelihood of getting flu and the severity of the illness of those unfortunate enough to catch it.
“GPs are gearing for this winter’s battle against the flu bug. Across the country, surgeries are putting in place the systems needed to reach and protect as many of our under 65s in the ‘at-risk’ group and our older generations as possible. Many patients will be offered the jab when they are in on routine visits.
“Flu can be very serious for older people and those with other illness, so take up your GP’s offer of a jab and be protected this winter.”
