The flu season is already underway in Scotland with cases continuing to increase over the last couple of weeks.
This is an early start for flu this winter and it is not just in Scotland, England are seeing increasing numbers of cases and hospitalisations, and the 2025 Australian influenza season peaked between June and July. This is much earlier than the historical average.
This rapid growth in cases is expected across the world with the sharpest increase and highest levels of positive cases in the 5-14 years old age group. However, if you are in one of the ‘at risk’ cohorts, are an older adult, or you have a child you can protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated.
Despite the emergence of a new strain driving an unusually early 2025 influenza season in England and other countries, the case numbers in Lanarkshire provide reassurance that the 2025 to 2026 enhanced vaccines are offering important protection in children and adults.
This is why getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent flu-related complications and hospitalisation.
We are encouraging everyone who is invited for the flu vaccine to get vaccinated to protect their health.
Dr Ken Dagg, Acute Medical Director, said: “Getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent flu-related complications and hospitalisation and we are encouraging everyone who is invited for the flu vaccine to get vaccinated to protect their health.
“Flu is a virus that spreads easily and can be very serious particularly to a number of patient groups that are vulnerable to the flu and at risk of severe complications and hospitalisation.
“Getting the flu jab can reduce the risk of severe complications, especially for those with diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, older adults and stroke. So if you are offered the flu vaccine my advice is take it and protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.”
To find out more about the flu vaccine visit NHS Inform at https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/flu-vaccine/
You can find information on where and when our weekly clinics are open and if they are appointment or drop in clinics by visiting our website at https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/vaccinations/
