Flu vaccination offered to those working with birds, poultry, cattle or swine

If you’re offered the flu vaccine, you’ve got a reason to get it. NHS Western Isles is reminding individuals that flu hits hard, and for some, it hits harder. Flu was widespread across Scotland last winter, and almost 5,000 adults needed hospital treatment. Getting vaccinated is the best way to help protect yourself and reduce the risk of catching and spreading flu this winter.

This winter NHS Scotland is offering the free flu vaccine to certain poultry workers and bird handlers as well as cattle and swine workers.

The flu vaccine will not protect you from bird flu but the vaccine will give you the best possible protection against human flu viruses. This will lower the risk of you having human flu and bird flu at the same time, and reduces the risk of a new type of flu virus being made. The vaccine will also help reduce your risk of serious illness if you were to catch both types of flu virus at the same time.

To find out if you’re eligible and to book an appointment visit nhsinform.scot/flu or call 0800 030 8013.

You’ll be able to book an appointment on a day, time and at a location convenient for you. To access the online booking portal, you’ll need your username and password. However, if you’ve forgotten your details, these can be recovered online or alternatively, watch the short recovery video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL54EVVa0p4