There's still every reason to get a flu jab this winter

The vaccine continues to offer the best defence and is free to those who are eligible, including people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, those aged 65 and over and carers. Statistics show that over the last five years around 500 deaths have occurred each winter which can be attributable, or related to, flu.

Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “Flu can be a very serious illness, and over the last few weeks, a significant number of people have been admitted to hospitals in Scotland with severe life threatening complications of flu infection. Our message to those who haven’t yet had their flu vaccination is not to be complacent.”

The seasonal flu vaccination is available until the end of March 2016. For more information, contact NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88 or visit www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/flu