This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Flu campaign targets 'at risk' groups
06/11/2006
A new campaign is launched today aiming to encourage on people of all ages in 'at risk' groups, healthcare workers and carers to get their free flu immunisations.
It is specifically targeted at people over 65 and those with chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes etc) as they are at risk of developing serious complications, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, if they catch flu.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Harry Burns said:
"Even for people who are in good general health, flu can be a nasty illness as it is much more severe than the common cold.
"For people who are 'at-risk' flu is potentially dangerous. These individuals cannot fight flu as effectively and it can lead to more serious illness if they are not protected so it is vital that they contact their GP and arrange for a free flu jab, before winter begins.
"I would urge people if they know a family member or a friend who falls into one of these 'at-risk' groups to encourage them to get their flu jab now."
The campaign shows the speed that flu-infected sneezes can travel, which may result in possible infection. It depicts someone sneezing who is carrying the flu virus. As they sneeze they project between 2,000 and 5,000 particles of virus-filled droplets at a speed of 100mph. Anyone within 30 feet of that sneeze is unlikely to avoid those droplets and therefore could become infected.
Flu is highly infectious and around 10 to 15 per cent of the UK is affected by flu every year. They are being encouraged to protect themselves from flu by arranging to get immunised this winter.
The new campaign will appear on radio across Scotland, billboards, buses and trains, posters, leaflets and pharmacy bags.