Published: Wednesday, 8th October, 2008 12:30
Fight against flu begins with a jab
By Kevin McRoberts
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THE annual fight against flu is being launched in Clackmannanshire as NHS Forth Valley begins its 2008/09 immunisation programme.
Around 66,000 doses of the flu vaccine have been ordered for the community, with everyone over the age of 65 eligible for the jab, along with those under 65 who are considered to be in the ‘at risk’ group.
NHS Forth Valley has one of the best uptake rates of the vaccine amongst all health boards in Scotland. Last year, 78 per cent of people over the age of 65 received a flu jab – well above the national target of 70 per cent – and more than half of those under 65 who are considered ‘at risk’ took up the offer of an injection.
Dr Henry Prempeh, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said, “The response last year was outstanding. We were very pleased that around 78 per cent of people over the age of 65 chose to protect themselves against influenza.
“Flu must not be confused with the common cold. Flu is an extremely debilitating disease with fever, significant aches and pains and lethargy. Flu makes people, particularly the elderly, vulnerable to other conditions including pneumonia which can prove fatal.”
The under-65 ‘at risk’ group includes people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and asthma, chronic renal and liver disease, Type 2 diabetes on medication, and those with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Anyone in this group who hasn’t heard from their GP by the end of the month should contact the surgery to make an appointment.
Some workers and carers are also eligible for the jab, including frontline staff in health care, local authorities, nursing homes and the voluntary sector, who are responsible for looking after people at risk. This helps maintain service continuity in the event of a severe flu outbreak.
Ochil MSP Keith Brown is concerned that many people in the ‘at risk’ group are unaware they are eligible for the free flu jab. He is backing the Scottish Government’s annual flu and pneumcoccal immunisation campaign, which will run over the winter months, and wants everyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine.
Mr Brown said, “Last year in Scotland, only around 40 per cent of eligible people under 65 came forward for their jab. This is mainly because they do not know that they qualify.
“It’s a common misconception that only older people are eligible. In actual fact, many others are considered ‘at risk’ – including healthcare workers and carers, and people with certain conditions. If these people do not get vaccinated, they are leaving themselves vulnerable to the side effects of the virus.
“It only takes a minute to get a jab, but it will keep you protected for 12 months, and could potentially save your life. I would urge people to make an appointment with their GP for their free vaccination.”
The flu vaccine does not contain a live virus. There is no chance of developing flu as a result of getting a jab.
The needle used is one of the smallest for immunisation and people hardly ever notice when they receive a jab.
Vaccines received in previous years do not remain effective as the strain of flu has to be re-evaluated annually and a new vaccine produced.
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