More islanders take flu jab 2/2/13
A higher percentage of islanders are taking flu jab than elsewhere in Scotland.
NHS Western Isles said latest figures showed nearly 59% of people in the under-
People encouraged to take the jab are those with existing long-
Health professionals in the Western Isles are continuing to urge people who are ‘at risk’ to get their annual flu jab as soon as possible to beat the flu virus, which is still circulating.
People that are eligible for the free flu jab are: those aged 65 and over, under
65s with existing long-
Flu is a serious illness and the vaccination is the most effective protection from
the virus. People who are ‘at-
NHS Western Isles Medical Director Dr Jim Ward said: “It is not too late for those who have not received their flu jab to do so. If you are in an ‘at risk’ group then it’s very important to ensure that you are protected from the virus as you can suffer from serious complications if you do catch flu.
“The flu virus survives better in the environment if it is cold and with winter conditions continuing to be forecast across the country flu viruses continue to circulate across Scotland.”