PEOPLE in Forth Valley who are eligible for the flu vaccine are being urged to get protected before the end of the year.
New uptake figures for the region show the percentage of people yet to be vaccinated and the call has been issued to ensure those with underlying health conditions, and parents of children aged 2-5, contact their GP practice to arrange a vaccination.
Figures revealed on Tuesday (18 November) highlight those still to receive the vaccine include 58 per cent of people under 65 with underlying health problems such as asthma, 64 per cent of pregnant women and 56 per cent of 2-5 year olds.
People with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, those with lowered immunities and women who are pregnant can be hit harder by flu and suffer more serious complications, even if they are generally fit and healthy.
This year’s vaccination programme has been extended to include 2-11 year olds, as they are two to three times more likely to be ill with flu than adults.
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