The NHS is urging Scots to get the flu vaccine when invited. Some may be eligible for a free vaccine to protect them against feeling poorly this autumn and winter.
Reminding people, "don't leave it too late to get protected", it recalled last winter when the "flu arrived earlier than many people expected" and as a result, put "significant pressure on health services across Scotland".
Asking people to do it as soon as possible this autumn, it further reminds Scots that it can "take around two weeks for protection to build after receiving the vaccine".
What is the flu?
NHS Inform explains: "Influenza (flu) is an infectious virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache and tiredness.
The virus spreads through the air when people cough or sneeze. It can also spread when people touch surfaces where the virus has landed then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. You can catch flu all year round, but it’s especially common in winter."
"Flu can be serious, even if you’re healthy. For some people, it can lead to complications that may require hospital care or may even cause death."
Why should I get the flu vaccine?
The vaccine can help prevent you from getting the flu. But if you do catch it, you’ll usually have milder symptoms and recover faster. The vaccine lowers your risk of becoming seriously ill and needing hospital treatment. It also helps reduce the spread of flu and can protect people around you.
Am I eligible for the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm. You only need one dose of the flu vaccine each flu season.
The vaccine is offered to adults who are most likely to become seriously ill if they catch it. You’ll be offered the flu vaccine this year if you’re:
- living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities
- aged 65 and over
- aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
- experiencing homelessness or substance misuse
- an asylum seeker living in a Home Office hotel or B&B accommodation
- living in a Scottish prison
- pregnant
- a frontline health and social care worker
- a non-frontline NHS worker
- an unpaid and young carer
- a household contact of someone with a weakened immune system
- a poultry worker or bird handler
- a cattle or swine worker
The NHS explains: "Eligibility for the flu vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). This guidance is reviewed every year so it’s important to check what vaccines you are eligible for this year."
You can go to the online booking portal here to see your local area and choose the most convenient location for you to have the jab.
What are the eligible health conditions?
People with certain health conditions are at greater risk of flu. This makes you eligible for a flu vaccine.
- Chronic respiratory disease (from 6 months or older)
- Chronic heart disease (from 6 months or older)
- Chronic kidney disease (from 6 months or older)
- Chronic liver disease (from 6 months or older)
- Chronic neurological disease (from 6 months or older)
- Diabetes (from 6 months or older)
- Weakened immune system (from 6 months or older)
- Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
- Morbid obesity (class III obesity)
If your condition or medication isn’t on the list, speak to the clinician who looks after you. They may be able to refer you to your NHS Board for a vaccination if needed.
Anyone having treatment or taking medication that weakens the immune system is at higher risk and should get the flu vaccine.
If you are not eligible for the free flu vaccine, there are pharmacies that offer vaccination for a fee.
Are there any reasons I should not get the vaccine?
Thankfully, most adults can have the flu vaccine. But get advice from a health professional if you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine ingredient or to a previous flu jab.
This includes a severe allergic reaction to eggs, which some vaccines contain. The NHS recommends speaking to your local NHS immunisation team for further advice and stresses that it's "important to tell the person giving you the vaccine if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to anything."
