More than 2million Scots are being offered the free flu vaccine as part of the national seasonal flu immunisation campaign
People with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and those aged 65 and over are most at risk and are being encouraged to get the flu vaccine, no matter how fit and healthy they feel.
Children aged two to 11 are also being offered a nasal spray vaccine to help stop the spread of flu.
People in Grampian who are eligible for the flu vaccine are being urged to get it as soon as possible.
New uptake figures for the region show the percentage of people yet to be vaccinated, and the call has been issued to ensure those with underlying health conditions and parents of children aged two to five contact their GP practice to arrange their vaccination to reduce the risk of catching flu.
The figures highlight those still to receive the vaccine include:
63% of people under 65 with underlying health problems such as asthma
71% of pregnant women
73% of two to five-year olds.
Dr Nicola Steedman, the Scottish Government’s senior medical officer, is the spokesperson for the campaign, and highlights the need for young and old to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
Dr Steedman said: “Flu is much worse than the common cold – it’s an illness that can cause serious health complications for those at risk. Even if you feel fit and healthy, if you have an underlying health condition, are 65 or over, or are pregnant then flu can hit you really hard.
“By taking up the free flu vaccine you can ensure you and your family are getting the best protection from the virus. It only takes a few minutes to receive the vaccine but it will protect you for around a year. Even if you were immunised against flu last year, it’s important to receive the vaccine again as the viruses can change every year.
“It’s best to get the flu vaccine before there’s lots of viruses circulating and the vaccine takes 10 to 14 days to work, so make an appointment with your GP practice as soon as possible. Don’t forget to take your child or grandchild with you if they’re not in school yet and between two and five as they are also eligible to be vaccinated.”
As anyone who has had flu will know the fever, aches and chills can put you out of action for days, and in some cases, lead to complications and health problems which need hospital treatment.
The target groups are eligible for the free seasonal flu vaccine 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
Healthcare workers are also encouraged to get the vaccine to help protect themselves, their families and patients who are potentially vulnerable to flu.
This year, the flu immunisation programme has been extended to all two-11 year olds in Scotland. Children are two to three times more likely to be ill with flu than adults. With thousands of children visiting their GP each year with flu or its complications, every child aged between two and 11 will be offered the flu vaccine to protect them and reduce flu spreading to others, particularly those who are older or have serious health conditions.
The vaccine is currently being offered to younger ones at their GP practice. Children aged between five and 11 are being vaccinated at school.
The vaccine is being offered as a quick, painless and needle-free nasal spray, with only a tiny amount sprayed into each nostril. This type of vaccine was safely given to thousands of children across the UK last year, during the pilot scheme. Children who cannot have the nasal spray may be offered an alternative injectable version.
Dr Steedman said: “This winter, we are extending our immunisation programme to ensure any child aged between two and 11 is protected against the flu virus.
“Flu can be very unpleasant for children, and in some cases can develop into more serious health complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and middle ear infection. If they get the vaccine they will be protected, and because children are good at spreading flu, the vaccine also reduces the risk of others being infected.
“The vaccine is quick and painless and was safely given to children last year. Side effects such as headaches, muscle aches and runny noses are possible, but are usually mild. Once fully implemented it’s estimated that the extension of the programme will prevent an additional 200 deaths a year and up to 1,100 hospitalisations, and because viruses constantly change, the vaccination programme will be repeated every winter.
If you would like to find out more information about the flu vaccine, contact NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88 or log on to www.immunisationscotland.org.uk
CASE STUDY
Nicola Kerr is 44 and lives in Bo’ness, West Lothian. She is an asthmatic and suffered a severe bout of flu in 2011 which had a massive impact on her health. She was ill for six months and felt the impact of the virus for 18 months.
Nicola said: “In the past, I have not allowed my condition to stop me doing the things I want to do. I lead an active life and commute to Edinburgh for work every day.
“I receive the flu vaccine every year due to having asthma. My underlying condition means I can receive the vaccine for free at my local GP surgery. If I was struck with flu this winter then I would take a long time to recover, as having asthma results in a longer recovery time from illness as well as the risk of other serious health complications, including severe respiratory issues.
“In 2011 I did not make the time for the flu vaccine. I hadn’t been unwell with a bad cold or the flu for some years, and naively thought I would not be affected by flu.
“Unfortunately I caught flu very severely. I woke up one morning in January with aching muscles and a high fever. I felt sick, dizzy and exhausted and immediately knew I was very unwell.
“The symptoms continued and I was bed-ridden for two weeks. When I didn’t get better, the doctor visited me at home. I was told to rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids. I could barely leave my bed and the flu virus continues to place extra pressure on my respiratory system. I suffered from sickness, extremely painful muscles and chronic fatigue. It really was an extremely distressing time for both me and my family.
It took about three months for me to start to feel better but even then I was feeling the ill effects of having caught flu. Chest and ear infections kept recurring due to the respiratory issues flu that had caused. I was signed off work and it felt like I had lost weeks of my life.
“I hardly had any energy and needed to sleep almost constantly. I was not well enough to celebrate my birthday, visit friends, or even drive my car.
“I had eventually recovered enough to return to work in June but I had to spend only a very short time in the office for the first few weeks, due to still feeling very weak. I now suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome as a result of catching severe flu and this flares up when I am run down. I am also susceptible to recurring chest infections.
“To put it bluntly, catching the flu had a very negative impact on my life. I will never forget to visit my GP for the flu vaccine again. If I was to catch flu again, I have no doubt that I would be seriously ill and would probably require hospitalisation.
“My experience shows that everyone should be aware that flu is not a trivial illness and if you have an underlying condition it is very important to receive the vaccination and protect yourself, even if you feel fit and well most of the time.
“People like me who suffer from asthma or another underlying condition can become seriously ill from flu. I learned in the worst possible way that flu is nothing like a bad cold!
“Getting the vaccine means that I do not have to be concerned about missing work or social engagements. By taking fifteen minutes out of my schedule to get this vaccine – which is free for people like me who have underlying health problems – I will be protected from catching flu and potentially being ill for weeks or months.
“The flu vaccine is quick and painless and after having it I feel assured that I am both protected from flu. I believe that your health is not something you should risk, especially if you suffer from underlying illnesses or have been ill from flu before.
“I now ensure that I receive the flu vaccine at the start of every winter. After suffering from bad flu in the past, I am conscious that my health needs to be my top priority and I feel much more comfortable knowing I am protected from the virus over the winter months.”