Flu jab appeal

And Scotland’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gregor Smith, has issued a call for those at risk not to miss out on the free jab.
Uptake figures for Dumfries and Galloway show that just 44 per cent of those with underlying health conditions have been immunised since October.
They also show that 43 per cent of pregnant women not in at risk groups and 74 per cent of over 65s in locally have had their vaccination.
Dr Smith highlighted that traditionally the number of cases of flu can increase during January and February, and underlined how serious and infectious it can be for those with conditions such as heart problems, asthma or diabetes.
He said: “Cases of flu peak in the winter and more are likely to be seen over the coming weeks so it’s important that people make an appointment with their GP practice as soon as they can.”
The region’s flu immunisation co-ordinator Dr Nigel Calvert added: “If you have a health condition it’s so important that you receive the vaccine as you may be at higher risk of complications from flu.”