News / Flu vaccine plea
MORE THAN half of Shetlanders suffering from underlying health conditions have yet to receive the free flu vaccine this winter, according to GP surgery figures.
Health professionals are reminding people who are at risk that the virus is now circulating widely, and urging them to get their annual vaccine as soon as possible.
People with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, heart problems, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, lowered immunities and women who are pregnant can all be hit harder by flu and suffer more serious complications – even if they are generally fit and healthy.
Those groups – along with unpaid carers and healthchare workers – are eligible to receive the vaccine for free at their local GP surgery.
Figures released on Tuesday highlight that 58 per cent of pregnant women are still to receive the vaccine. They are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from flu because a woman’s immune system changes to help cope with pregnancy – and, at worst, could experience premature labour or miscarriage.
NHS Shetland flu immunisation coordinator Dr Susan Laidlaw said: “The flu virus circulates easier in low temperatures and as winter progresses flu viruses are continuing to spread across Scotland.
“It is vital that those who are eligible make an appointment to get the vaccination as soon as possible, and help start the new year in good health. It only takes a few minutes and even if you were immunised against flu last winter it is important to receive the vaccine again, as the viruses change each season.”
The vaccine takes 10-14 days to work and should protect you from flu for a year and is available until March. To find out more information about the flu vaccine, contact NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88 or log onto www.immunisationscotland.org.uk
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