Increase in flu jab uptake

Some areas are still below the target take-up figure

There has been an increase in the number of people heeding advice on flu immunisation in Scotland, according figures.

The Scottish Executive said almost half a million people had received the injections so far this winter.

The executive said it has set a target take-up figure of 65% of people over 65 and has come within 2.9%% of reaching that objective.

Flu jab take-up

Ayrshire and Arran: 61.6%

Argyll and Clyde: 61.8%

Borders 65.2%

Dumfries and Galloway: 69.7%

Fife: 65.1%

Forth Valley: 66.8%

Glasgow: 59.6%

Grampian: 64.9%

Highland: 60.9%

Lanarkshire: 57.2%

Lothian: 61.5%

Orkney: 66.4%

Shetland: 71.8%

Tayside: 62.6%

Western Isles: 52.4%

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said more than half of Scotland's health board areas had reached the target but there were exceptions.

He said figures for the Western Isles, Highlands, Lanarkshire and Greater Glasgow "could all be improved".

The minister encouraged more people, particularly those most at risk of catching flu such as the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to get the jab.

He said: "Flu jabs could save lives and it is not too late to get your jab.

"If you have a grandparent or an elderly friend, or know with someone with a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes, let them know that the vaccine is available.

"A successful flu campaign will mean that fewer people are hospitalised with an illness that has serious repercussions at this time of year."

January and February are seen as the months when most people contract flu and outbreaks in recent years have put a strain on UK health services.