Get ready to fight flu

Flu is very infectious and can be serious, and it’s best to get vaccinated before the cold temperatures hit. The vaccine provides the best defence and is being offered to people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children aged 2 – 11 and those aged 65 and over. It only takes a few minutes and will protect for around a year.  It’s completely safe, doesn’t contain any live viruses, and cannot give a person flu. For children, it’s given as a painless nasal spray and for adults as an injection.

Speaking about the importance of the vaccine, Dr Gregor Smith, Scottish Government Deputy Chief Medical Officer said: “This year, we want to be very clear about the benefits of the flu vaccine, in a bid to ensure more Scots than ever before are protected.
“Flu can hit you hard, even if you’re normally fit and healthy. This year’s flu season has the potential to be serious, so we’re advising people to get vaccinated before winter sets in.”

Over the last five years around 500 deaths have occurred each winter which are attributable, or related to flu. Almost one third of those hospitalised with flu last year had a heart condition and for pregnant women the vaccine will help to protect your unborn baby as well as yourself.

Make your flu vaccination a priority. Find out more at immunisationscotland.org.uk/flu or call NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88.