News

Western Isles residents are reminded to make an appointment to get their flu vaccine as the national flu immunisation programme begins on October 1st.

NHS Western Isles is highlighting that the delivery of vaccine to some people may have changed this year – so please make sure you know where to go.

Flu is a very infectious disease which can have serious consequences and can be fatal. Those who have chronic conditions should ensure therefore that they are immunised again with this year’s vaccine.

NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Dr Maggie Watts, said: “Flu can cause severe health complications and the best way to protect yourself and help prevent spread of the virus is to get vaccinated.

“It only takes a few minutes and even if you were immunised against flu last winter it is important to receive the vaccine again, as the viruses change each season.”

Flu vaccinations will be offered free in the Western Isles from October 1^st to those who are considered ‘at risk’ – including children aged two to five years old and Primary School pupils; people with existing health conditions such as heart problems, emphysema, diabetes or liver or kidney disease; those aged 65 years and over; pregnant women, and healthcare and social care workers.

GPs will not be vaccinating primary school aged children this year, instead primary pupils throughout the islands will be offered the flu vaccination administered by the local school nursing team during October and November.

Pupils take the vaccine in the form of a nasal spray, avoiding the need for an injection, and consent forms will be sent to all primary pupils, with parents and carers urged to return consent and ensure their child is protected against flu this winter.

Children aged two (on September 1^st 2018) to five years old are also offered a free flu immunisation – again taken as a pain-free nasal spray – and will be invited to their local GP practice for vaccination.

Pregnant women are more at risk of flu-related complications and need extra protection as flu infection during pregnancy can be very harmful both to mother and baby.

The flu vaccine is safe for baby and mother at any stage of pregnancy, and expecting women in Lewis and Harris should again contact their local GP practice to arrange an appointment to take up their free flu jab this year.

Expectant mothers in the Uists and Barra however will be invited to make an appointment with the local midwifery team who will deliver the free flu vaccine.

And letters of invite for flu vaccination will be sent to adults ‘at risk’ and those aged 65 and over, who again should contact their local GP to make an appointment.

You can find out more about the 2018 flu vaccine and its benefits at www.readyforflu.scot, or call NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88.