Pregnant women urged to have flu jabs

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon launched the annual campaign which is aimed at encouraging the elderly and other at-risk groups to get the jabs to protect themselves against the disease.

The move was announced along with a warning that swine flu, otherwise known as H1N1, is expected to be the "main circulating virus" this winter.

Expectant mothers are more at risk of facing health "complications" from H1N1.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Harry Burns said that the jabs, which will protect patients against swine flu and two other strains of the bug, were particularly vital for pregnant women.

Dr Burns said: "Pregnant women will be offered the vaccine this year.

"This is because H1N1 is likely to be the main circulating virus this flu season and pregnant women have been noted to be at greater risk of complications of H1N1 influenza infection.

"We should not underestimate seasonal flu, it is a very serious illness.

"I would urge everyone who is entitled to receive a flu vaccine to get one as soon as possible."

This year's campaign will also highlight other groups who are eligible for the vaccine such as carers, some of who joined the Health Secretary at yesterday's launch in Glasgow.

Michelle McGuigan, 44, from Glasgow, was left unable to care for her elderly mother after she became ill with flu two years ago.

The carer talked about how she was "completely floored" by the bug, which she said "left her unable to care for my mother".

Ms McGuigan said: "I will definitely be having the flu jab this year, not only for my work but also to protect my mum. I don't want to take the chance of spreading any illness to my mum, who is very frail and also has diabetes, which is another risk factor for seasonal flu."

Meanwhile, the Health Secretary urged people to get the jab to protect themselves against potentially life-threatening viruses.

Ms Sturgeon said: "For those at risk, the complications of seasonal flu can be deadly. The best way to protect yourself is to get the jab. If you know someone who is at risk please encourage them to come forward for vaccination to protect themselves and those they care about.

"This year's campaign will highlight the fact that unpaid carers in Scotland are eligible for seasonal flu vaccination.It is vitally important that they come forward to protect themselves and the people they care for."

More than one million doses of the flu vaccine are handed out in Scotland every year and GPs will now start writing to those eligible to people come forward for the jab.

A new television advert will run for four weeks from next Monday, with radio publicity also being used to highlight the campaign.

Those who eligible for the jab include those aged 65 and over, and those with a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, chronic heart conditions, chronic kidney and liver disease and other serious conditions.

People with immune systems that have been weakened either by disease or by treatment - such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer - are also eligible.

ON THE LIST

Those who are eligible for the jab include pregnant women, those aged 65 and over, and anyone with a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes or chronic heart, kidney or liver conditions.

Patients with immune systems weakened by disease or by treatment - such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer - are also eligible.