Vaccination remains best protection against serious illness from flu

New figures published today show that flu is still circulating at high levels in Scotland, although case numbers and hospital admissions have started to decline.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is urging eligible people who have not yet received their flu vaccine this winter to get it as soon as possible.

This year’s winter vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19. This includes older adults, and people with certain underlying health conditions such as heart or respiratory disease, or a weakened immune system, as they are at greater risk of illness from flu and COVID-19.

Pregnant women are also strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, to give them and their babies the best possible protections against serious illness from these viruses.
All frontline health and social care workers are also eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, while all NHS staff are eligible for the flu vaccine this winter.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS said:

“Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness from flu and COVID-19. Despite this, vaccine uptake is currently lower than it was last winter.

" Evidence shows that protection from the vaccines fades over time. The vaccinations offered this season provide protection against the most likely circulating strains and top up your protection against severe illness from flu and COVID-19.

“If you’re eligible for a free flu or COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late to take up the offer and get protected. In many areas, drop-in clinics are running. Check your local health board website for local arrangements or you can call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.”

Maintaining proper hand and respiratory hygiene can also help protect against numerous common viruses. Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues responsibly, and promptly washing your hands afterwards, can all help to prevent infections spreading. If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection and feel unwell, or have a fever, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, especially those who are vulnerable to severe infection.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available until 31 January, while the flu vaccine is available until the end of March.

View the latest viral respiratory diseases report.

More information on the winter vaccination programme is available on the NHS Inform website.

Information on local health board websites can be found via this link.