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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-65 ‘at risk’ group have already had the flu jab this season. This is the highest uptake rate in Scotland and higher than the Scottish average of 54%.

People encouraged to take the jab are those with existing long-term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and other heart, lung and liver diseases.

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-term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and other heart, lung and liver diseases, pregnant women and unpaid carers of any age. Health and social care staff who deal directly with patients or clients are also recommended to receive the flu vaccine.

Flu is a serious illness and the vaccination is the most effective protection from the virus. People who are ‘at-risk’ can be hit harder with flu and can suffer more complications.

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.”