Flu Campaign
People of any age with a long-term medical condition are being warned about the risk of serious complications of flu and are urged to have a flu vaccination this winter.
The Scottish Government's annual winter flu vaccination programme starts in October of each year to ensure people who are susceptible to the effects of flu are protected against the virus.
If you (or anyone you know) are eligible for a free jab, make an appointment with your GP practice to have a flu jab.
You can obtain further information about the flu vaccination by
- visiting www.infoscotland.com/flu for a free information leaflet,
- or calling the NHS helpline free on 0800 22 44 88 (open 8.00 am - 10.00 pm, 7 days a week)
See our Flu Advice page for simple hygiene tips.
Eligibility for Free Vaccination
All people aged 65 and over qualify for the free annual seasonal flu jab, and in addition adults and children aged six months to 65 years with the following conditions should also contact their GP for a free seasonal flu jab:
- heart problem
- chest complaint or breathing difficulties including, bronchitis, emphysema
- kidney disease
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
- liver disease
- stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- diabetes
- neurological condition eg multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
The jab can never offer 100% protection from seasonal flu, but does have a success rate of between 70 and 80% while others are more likely to get milder symptoms.
Influenza H1N1
Don't forget, the seasonal flu jab does not protect against Influenza H1N1 (swine flu). Some people who are entitled to the free seasonal flu vaccination may also be offered the H1N1 vaccination this year. If you are offered both, it is important that you take them to make sure you fully protect yourself.
Seasonal flu symptoms
Patients with seasonal flu typically have a fever or a high temperature (over 38°C / 100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms:
- unusual tiredness
- headache
- runny nose
- sore throat
- shortness of breath or cough
- loss of appetite
- aching muscles
- diarrhoea and/or vomiting
In those circumstances you should stay at home, keep warm and rest, let a member of your family or friend know that you are ill, drink plenty of liquids and eat what you can.
If you are in an at risk group or your symptoms get worse and you have chest pains of experience shortness of breath, you should contact your GP.
Seasonal flu peaks each winter between December and March, which is why the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council are urging those in the at risk groups and those aged 65 and over to make sure they get their free jab now before flu starts to circulate.
The virus changes every year and a new vaccine is created, so it's important that you have the vaccine every year.
The vaccine does not contain live viruses so cannot give you flu and side effects of the vaccine are rare.
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