MSP Gil Paterson urges flu jab uptake as winter cases double

ELIGABLE constituents are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination by MSP Gil Paterson.

Everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people at most risk of serious illness are offered the flu vaccination on the NHS.

Flu rates in Scotland doubled in December with the most recent figures from Health Protection Scotland showing around 46 Scots in every 100,000 were suffering from the virus, comparing to 22 in every 100,000 for the same week in 2016.

Mr Paterson, SNP MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “It’s not too late to get the flu jab – and if constituents are eligible for vaccination on the NHS it’s important they take up that offer.

“Cases of flu were at double the rate in December as the previous year, and can be a serious illness that can make even healthy people very unwell. 

“NHS staff in Clydebank, Milngavie and Bearsden are doing a tremendous job at a tough time of year, and we should all do our bit to not add unnecessary pressure on the health service.
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“If you’re eligible, please make getting the vaccination a priority and book an appointment with your GP practice or health board as soon as possible.”

ENDS

For more information on the flu jab visit: http://www.healthscotland.com/flu