Reminder to Orkney folk to get the flu jab

Folk in Orkney who are entitled to free flu vaccinations through the NHS are being reminded to get immunised this winter.

Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has issued the reminder, saying there are particular worries this year about the prevalence of new strains of the flu virus, making it more important than ever for people to take advantage of free flu jabs.

This year’s vaccination programme began in October, but NHS will continue to provide free injections until the end of March.

The free jabs are available to people with certain health conditions, older people over the age of 65, pregnant women and people who work in healthcare professions.

An in-school vaccination programme has also been made available for primary school children.

Mr Johnston said: “Flu can be very serious, particularly for older people or those with underlying conditions. The vaccination is the best defence available and is being offered at local GP surgeries and pharmacies.”

Further information on the programmes is available through the NHS website www.immunisationscotland.org.uk.