Scotland’s most senior medical officer has called on people with underlying health conditions in the local area to get protected from flu following the release of new figures showing that more than half of the people in this group were still to be vaccinated.

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Sir Harry Burns, made his plea as new figures were released for flu vaccination uptake since the campaign started on 1 October 2013.

The figures show that a number of people have yet to be vaccinated in the Ayrshire & Arran NHS area, including: - 55 per cent of people under 65 with underlying health problems such as asthma and diabetes - 62 per cent of pregnant women - 57 per cent of two and three year olds.

Getting protected from flu is important for individuals with underlying health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, MS and other heart, lung and liver problems and those suffering from lowered immunity) as well as pregnant women.

These groups can be hit harder with flu and can suffer more serious complications, even if they previously felt fit and healthy.

Sir Harry said: “Flu strikes suddenly and it’s important to be prepared. If you have a long-term medical condition, the best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccine. It is not too late for those who have not received their flu vaccine to do so.

“The flu vaccine only takes a few minutes, but will offer protection for around 12 months.” If you would like to find out more information about the flu vaccine, contact NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88 or log on to www.immunisationscotland.org.uk.