Health experts at NHS Forth Valley are urging people not to be fooled by the recent unseasonably warm weather and to make sure they get a flu jab.

The number of cases of flu peaks at the end of this month and into January and doctor’s surgeries are still offering free injections to over 65s, people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and asthma and young children who will be eligible for vaccination by nasal spray.

NHS Forth Valley Consultant in Public Health Dr Henry Prempeh said: “The uptake so far has been very good and Forth Valley is still the highest in Scotland for over 65s. However, figures for young children aged between two and five suggest that more than 40% are still unprotected. I am urging families with little ones to go along to their local GP and get vaccinated by nasal spray.

“Children of primary school age who have missed the recent school-based vaccination clinics can also visit their doctor to receive the nasal spray. Flu is very infectious and we recommend you have your child immunised.”

This year NHS Forth Valley has been targeting 24,000 primary school children through immunisation teams who have been visiting local schools. They have also run a flu campaign to increase uptake amongst local healthcare staff.