New evidence from Scotland shows that the flu vaccine provides important protection against severe illness

New data published today by Public Health Scotland (PHS) provides clear evidence that this year’s vaccine is doing a good job of preventing severe flu. So far this winter, children in Scotland are 78% less likely to be admitted to hospital with flu if vaccinated; with vaccinated adults in Scotland aged 65 and over 37% less likely to be hospitalised.

The new results underscore the importance of vaccination for those eligible and at highest risk of severe illness in the run up to the festive season, with new figures published today showing Scotland reaching a high level of flu activity. There has been a further 24% increase in laboratory-confirmed cases, rising from 1,875 to 2,331 in the past week. Hospital admissions due to flu also increased more moderately in the last week by around 15%, rising from 860 the previous week to 986. As yet, there is little evidence of the most severe disease as measured by critical care hospital admissions.

PHS is reiterating that it’s not too late to take up the offer of the flu vaccine to get protected in time for the festive season starting.

Flu can seriously disrupt anyone’s life but, for some people, flu hits harder. Those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of serious flu illness, hospitalisation, and in some cases, death. This is why the flu vaccination programme is focussed on protecting those who are most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with flu.

Dr Kim Marsh, Viral Respiratory Pathogens lead at Public Health Scotland, explains:

“PHS’s new vaccine effectiveness results reinforce our message that the flu vaccine offers the best protection against severe disease for those who are eligible, even with the new strain now circulating widely. Vaccination remains the best way to help protect yourself against serious illness from flu and is also important in reducing the spread of flu in the community, helping to keep everyone from missing out on socialising with friends and family over the festive season.

“NHS Boards in Scotland are working hard to deliver the winter vaccination programme and look forward to welcoming you for your appointment. Drop-in clinics are also available in most areas. For more information regarding eligibility and appointment arrangements visit nhsinform.scot/flu.”

The flu vaccine is being offered to all children from 2 years old to the end of secondary school, as well as children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu.

Pregnant women are also strongly recommended to take up the vaccine, which will give them and their babies the best possible protection against serious illness from flu.

Everyone who works in the NHS, all frontline social care workers and unpaid carers are also eligible for the flu vaccine this winter, as well as those aged 65 years and older and 18 to 64 year olds with an eligible health condition.

How to get vaccinated

Everyone who is eligible for this year’s vaccination will now have received their invitation by text, email or post, in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding.

Pregnant women can book an appointment online or via the national vaccination helpline, with further information available from midwives.

Those who work in the NHS and frontline social care workers may not receive an invitation and are encouraged to check local arrangements for eligible staff and book their appointment now.

Parents and carers should have received appointment letters by post, or consent forms in their child’s school bag, and are encouraged to take up the flu vaccine offer this winter.

What to do if you suspect you have flu

To prevent the spread of flu, we continue to recommend regular handwashing and advise people with symptoms of respiratory illness to stay off work or school and away from hospitals until you’re feeling better. If you have flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, cough or feeling tired and achy – try to limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk. If you do need to go out when unwell, please consider wearing a face mask.

Advice on how to recognise and manage flu-like symptoms is available at NHS Inform.

Additional information

More data on flu and vaccine effectiveness is available here.

Today’s vaccine effectiveness results align closely with the early 2025/26 estimates reported by England and are consistent with a PHS-led study providing pooled data from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, also published today in PHS’s report.

To find out if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine this year visit www.nhsinform.scot/flu 

For more information about the child flu programme visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu
 If your child missed their flu vaccination at school, contact your local health board to find out about local arrangements for getting their vaccine at another time.

More information about the early start to this year’s flu season and the influenza A(H3N2) strain which is currently circulating is available in our recent blog  With this year’s flu season starting early, find out how to stay protected - Our blog - Public Health Scotland  

Some people may also be eligible for other vaccines, including RSV and COVID-19 this year. More information about the coronavirus vaccine, including who is eligible, is available on www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine 

More information about the RSV vaccine is also available on NHS Inform RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform and RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform