Free flu jabs for ‘at risk’ groups in NHS Forth Valley

AT RISK people in Bo’ness, Blackness and Whitecross are urged to get their annual free flu jab, that this year includes the swine flu strain.

Last flu season, NHS Forth Valley achieved Scotland’s highest uptake of over-65s.

But 40 per cent of the total “at risk” group failed to take up the offer and are now encouraged to get inoculated as soon as possible.

Those at risk are: the over 65s, or under 65s with chronic illnesses like heart disease, asthma, chronic renal and liver disease, Type 2 diabetes on medication and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Pregnant women and unpaid carers are also eligible, as is anyone turning 65 on/before March 31, 2012.

It takes about 10 days for you to be protected against flu after having the jab, so it’s best to get it as early as possible, from October. *Those aged 65-plus are also entitled to a free vaccination against pneumococcal disease – that can cause serious illness – if they haven’t already had it.

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