Last year Scotland had very high levels of flu, with more than 6,500 adults being admitted to hospital. We know first-hand the strain that this causes on services and the impact on individual patients and residents.

Vaccination is a proven way to reduce this strain and to protect those we care for, yet, even with the increased hospital admissions last winter, vaccine uptake among health and social care workers remained low.

Nursing staff deal directly with patients, services users and residents every day, so it is important that we are vaccinated to reduce the risk of catching and transmitting the virus.

Getting the flu vaccination can help you from becoming unwell and spreading the virus to your friends, family and patients. We have a responsibility to protect ourselves and others and vaccination reduces the risk of unintentionally bringing illness into our homes and workplaces.

If you are a health or social care worker who has direct contact with patients or service users, or if you work in any role within the NHS, you are eligible for the free flu vaccine this year.

There are different vaccine delivery arrangements across Scotland so look out for communication from your local health board about local clinics, drop-ins and other opportunities to get your vaccine close to home, work, or somewhere you visit frequently.

For more information and to book your appointment, visit nhsinform.scot/flu.