First Minister John Swinney urges people to book free winter vaccinations to relieve NHS winter pressure

The campaign to encourage those eligible for winter vaccinations has started with the First Minister rolling up his sleeve for a flu jab.

John Swinney is entitled to the inoculation as he is an unpaid carer for his wife Elizabeth, who lives with multiple sclerosis.

It can reduce the symptoms of illness and the need for hospital admission.

As he attended the vaccination clinic at Blairgowrie Community Hospital, Swinney admitted that Scotland’s hospitals are already under pressure as flu season approaches.

“We’re going into winter with a very substantial level of delayed discharge and the hospitals are very busy at this particular time,” he said.

“If people get their vaccination, that will help to reduce the pressure on the National Health Service over the winter period.”

Last winter, more than 5,000 people aged 65 and over were hospitalised with flu or Covid-19.

Public Health Scotland says more than two million vaccines have been administered so far this year, with everyone over the age of 65 entitled to the flu and Covid jabs.

Other groups eligible for the double dose include pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and frontline NHS workers.

Those entitled to the flu-only vaccination include primary and secondary school pupils, unpaid carers and the homeless.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of vaccination and immunisation at Public Health Scotland, said: “This year’s flu vaccine gives you the best possible protection against the flu viruses likely to be circulating this season.

“Getting the flu vaccine will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious flu illness. It also helps to reduce the spread of flu and will protect those around you from catching flu and getting ill.

“Following vaccination, it takes around ten days for immunity to build and provide protection against flu.

“That’s why we’re encouraging anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to come forward now, before socialising with loved ones over the festive season.”

More information on the winter vaccination programme, including eligibility and to book appointments, can be found at NHS Inform online.