Winter flu jab plea by MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross

Maree Todd: ‘Getting vaccinated gives you the best possible protection against flu viruses which are circulating this winter.’

North MSP Maree Todd is urging her constituents to make sure they get their winter flu jab to help guard against serious illness.

Scotland had the highest uptake of flu vaccines among people over 65 in the UK last winter, with research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre showing that 79.8 per cent of those over 65 in Scotland received their winter flu vaccine.

Ms Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, pointed to latest figures showing that so far this winter 52.3 per cent of eligible adults in the NHS Highland area have received their flu and Covid-19 vaccines.

Members of the public have until March 31 to receive their jabs but are being encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible.

Other eligible groups for the double dose flu and Covid-19 vaccination include pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and frontline health workers. Those entitled to the flu-only vaccination include primary and secondary school pupils, unpaid carers and the homeless.

Ms Todd said: “Getting vaccinated gives you the best possible protection against flu viruses which are circulating this winter. The flu vaccine offers strong protection, while the Covid-19 booster reduces the severity of illness and boosts protection.

“The vaccines will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious illness and help to protect those around you from catching flu and getting ill.

“It is hugely encouraging that Scotland had the highest uptake of vaccines in the UK last winter and I encourage everyone who hasn’t already done so this winter to check if they are eligible.

“Getting vaccinated is not only the best way to protect yourself and your family from serious illness this winter, but it will also help to reduce the pressure on the NHS over the busy winter period.”

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