For immediate release:

RUTHERGLEN MSP ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO TAKE UP FLU JAB

MSP Clare Haughey is encouraging Rutherglen and Cambuslang residents to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination.

Consistent with patterns seen across Europe and the United States, last winter saw the highest rates of flu-like illness in Scotland for seven years, with a doubling of cases compared with the previous year and a dominant flu strain that seriously affected older people.

The Scottish Government provides free vaccinations to all eligible adults and children, including all over-65s and primary school children, and this year is providing a new vaccine to offer extra protection to over-75s. The Scottish Government has also provided NHS boards with an extra £10 million to support winter resilience planning, and commissioned work to investigate the link between winter deaths and flu and to further explore the potential factors behind the rise in mortality.

Commenting, Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said:

“This year I am backing calls to ensure as many people as possible are protected from flu ahead of winter hitting.

“The vaccine is safe, effective, and remains the best protection against the flu virus. It is important to stress that the flu vaccine offered to those ages 65-74 this winter still provides protection.

“Last winter was a particularly bad year for flu, with a rise in the number of cases and hospitalisations.

“Flu can be extremely serious for those who are vulnerable, and is very infectious. We can best protect the people of Rutherglen and Cambuslang by encouraging everyone eligible to get vaccinated early. Not only will you protect yourself, but you’ll also be playing a part in helping stop the spread of the virus this winter.”

ENDS

Date published: 23rd October 2018