Fighting the flu
Robert Moore • Published 15 Nov 2011 09:00
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EACH winter in Scotland an average of 500 deaths may be attributable to influenza, which can also have severe health impacts for thousands more.
That's why the Scottish Government has launched its national seasonal flu vaccination programme.
The core message for the campaign is to get the annual flu jab early, as it's the most effective way to protect yourself and others from seasonal flu, including the swine flu virus.
Flu is not just a bad cold: it is a serious illness that hits hard and fast and can have serious consequences for those in any of the 'at risk' groups.
Key target groups that are eligible for the free flu jab from their GP or health centre are:
• People aged 65 and over
• Under 65s with existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and other heart, lung and liver diseases
•Pregnant women
•Young carers and unpaid carers of any age
•Patient-facing NHS staff.
Every year in Scotland alone a million doses of vaccine are administered.
The over 65 age group has traditionally had very good take-up of the vaccination with 76.2 per cent of this age group getting the jab last year. Uptake amongst those under the age of 65 with risk conditions is, overall, at around 56.3 per cent. Within this group the lowest uptake recorded is amongst people with chronic liver disease and the highest uptake last year was amongst pregnant women with existing medical conditions.
For further information, log on to www.immunisationscotland.org.uk.
If you are unsure if you are eligible for the jab, contact NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88. If you think you have the flu, you can seek advice from a pharmacist, from your GP, or through NHS 24.
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 15 Nov 11
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