WIREDGOV

Getting vaccinated is the best way for vulnerable people to protect themselves from the consequences of seasonal flu.

That was the message from Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon today as she launched the annual seasonal flu vaccination campaign.

Three groups of people are entitled to free seasonal flu vaccinations:

• Those aged 65 years of age and over
• Those with a medical condition which puts them in an 'at risk' group
• NHS healthcare staff

GP practices will now start inviting patients, holding flu clinics and publicising their programmes.

A separate vaccination campaign will begin in the next few weeks to vaccinate people against the H1N1 pandemic flu virus.

Ms Sturgeon said:

"Having flu is never pleasant but most people make a quick recovery. However, some people are more at risk of complications and for them flu can be very serious - or even fatal.

"That's why it's important that people who are entitled to a vaccination - such as older people or those with chronic breathing and heart problems - come forward to get it.

"While this simple jab will provide protection against seasonal flu it won't protect against the pandemic H1N1 strain.

"The H1N1 vaccine has now been licensed and the vaccination programme for priority groups will start shortly, as soon as supplies are delivered.

"Again, I would urge everyone entitled to receive a vaccination to ensure they come forward - it's the easiest way to protect yourself and others."

Chief Medical Officer Dr Harry Burns said:

"For people who are at risk of developing serious complications if they get flu, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect themselves.

"Seasonal flu is a serious illness and we should not underestimate the potential consequences.

"I would urge everyone who is entitled to receive a flu vaccination - whether for seasonal or H1N1 flu or both - to do so as soon as possible."

Public information leaflets about the seasonal flu campaign will be available and distributed to GP surgeries, pharmacies, health boards and voluntary health organisations.

In the community, the vaccine will be available to those eligible from healthcare staff in GP surgeries and they will be invited to attend the practice to get their vaccine. Healthcare workers are usually vaccinated through their occupational health service.

Each year in Scotland in excess of a million doses of seasonal flu vaccine are made available for those aged 65 or over and those under the age of 65 at risk of complications as a result of flu, as well as healthcare staff eligible for the flu vaccine.

Those who are 'at risk' with regard to seasonal flu are people of all ages with long-term illnesses, including:

• Serious breathing problems, e.g. asthma needing regular inhaled or oral steroids; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Serious heart conditions
• Diabetes
• Severe kidney or liver disease
• Serious neurological conditions, e.g. stroke or multiple sclerosis
• Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, e.g. chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for cancer or long-term steroid use
• Any other serious medical condition - patients are advised to consult their doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist.

The priority groups for the H1N1 vaccination programme will be those in the 'at risk' group, pregnant women and healthcare workers. Those aged 65 and over who are not in the 'at risk' group are not in the priority group for the H1N1 vaccination.

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