Importance of flu vaccination highlighted
First published on 08 October 2020
- Immunisations
Every year, thousands of people in Scotland are hospitalised with flu.
This year the vaccine is being offered to more people than ever to address the additional risk posed by COVID-19.
The message to all eligible groups this year, is that it is more important than ever that you receive your flu vaccine. By taking up the offer of your free flu vaccine, you are helping to protect yourself, others and help the NHS avoid additional pressure over the winter period.
New research from Public Health England (PHE) (external website) found that people who tested positive for both flu and COVID-19 were more at risk of severe illness, compared to those with COVID-19 alone. The research, which looked at cases between January and April this year, also suggests that the risk of death more than doubled for those with co-infection.
More information on who will be offered the vaccine this year and how to make an appointment can be found on the NHS Inform website (external site).