South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle is encouraging constituents eligible for the annual free flu jab to take up the offer amid concerns that numbers of people getting the jab are declining in some areas.
If you fall into any of the following groups, you are eligible to get a free flu vaccination at your local GP practice
- People aged 65 or over
- Anyone aged between 6 months and under 65 with a serious health condition (especially lung diseases such as asthma or chronic bronchitis)
- Pregnant women
- Anyone who receives a carer’s allowance or if you are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare might be at risk if you fall ill.
- Children in Scotland aged 25 who aren’t yet in school. Primary school children will also be offered the vaccine at school.
If you are over 16 and don’t fall into any of these groups, you can still get the flu vaccination in many high street pharmacies for a small charge.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“The flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, visits to GPs, missed days of work and school, reduce pressure on the NHS and reduce the demand for antibiotics. But it can only do those things if the public get vaccinated. It’s particularly important for those most vulnerable to the flu to have the vaccine. While it’s not a guarantee that you won’t get the flu, it reduces your risk; especially when you are careful to practice good hygiene habits as well. It’s important to emphasise that the flu jab can’t give you the flu; I know there’s a strong myth about this, but it simply isn’t true.
I hope people across South Scotland will consider getting the flu jab this year and help reduce the impact of this disease on the public and the NHS.”