Locals at risk urged to get their flu jab
More than 45 per cent of people aged under 65 in the NHS Highland area who are entitled to get the flu jab didn’t take up the offer last year.
The figure was revealed as Scottish Flu Awareness Week got underway today.
The week-long campaign aims to raise awareness of the benefits of the flu jab and to encourage the estimated 14,352 people living in the region who didn’t get the vaccination last year, to get it as early as possible this year.
The figures don’t include people over 65 who are also eligible for free flu jab.
The key target groups that are eligible for the jab are: people aged 65 and over, under 65s with existing long-term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and other heart, lung and liver diseases, pregnant women, unpaid carers of any age and NHS workers who deal directly with patients.
Flu is a serious illness and the vaccination is the most effective protection from it, including the swine flu virus.
People in the ‘at-risk’ groups can be hit harder with the flu and suffer more complications.
Dr Ken Oates, Consultant in Public Health Medicine for NHS Highland, said: “Flu strikes suddenly and can take immediate and severe effect.
"If you are in one of the at-risk groups, then the impact of flu can be even more serious, with symptoms hitting you harder and lasting longer. You could end up in hospital, or contract pneumonia or bronchitis.
“I strongly urge anyone who is in one of the at-risk groups to make an appointment with their GP to get the free jab.
"It only takes a few minutes to be vaccinated but will give you protection against the flu for around a year.”
This year’s flu vaccine protects against three types of flu including the swine flu strain, which is still circulating.
It takes about 10 days for you to be protected against the flu after having the jab so it’s best to get it as early as possible in flu season (from October onwards). .
Anyone confused about whether they are eligible for the vaccine, or would like to find out more information about it, contact NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88 or log on to www.immunisationscotland.org.uk for further information on the immunisation programme.
