PRIMARY and secondary school pupils in Fife have started receiving their flu vaccines as Scotland’s biggest flu immunisation programme gets underway.

Over four million people will be offered the free flu vaccine this year with secondary school pupils eligible for the first time.

Running until December, all primary and secondary school pupils will be offered the vaccine which is given as a painless nasal spray.

NHS Fife Director of Public Health, Dr Joy Tomlinson, said: “The roll-out of the flu programme this year has now started in our area with the first pupils getting their flu vaccine in school.

"Any pupils not in school on the day flu vaccinations are being delivered can contact our Immunisation Team by calling 01383 565456 to arrange an appointment at a community venue. If you’ve not returned your consent form, please return it to the school as soon as possible.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “More people than ever are being offered the flu vaccine and we hope to see a large uptake amongst pupils as we aim to keep flu out of schools this year.

“Last year with the public health measures that were in place, there were lower levels of flu than there has been in previous years so our immunity levels to flu may be lower this year.

“The vaccines are safe and the best way to help protect you, and others, from flu this winter.”