Public Health Scotland (PHS) has said that this year’s flu vaccine is "working well" to prevent severe illness as Scotland experiences a sharp rise in cases in the run-up to Christmas.

The update comes as Scotland reaches a high level of flu activity, with laboratory-confirmed cases rising by almost a quarter in the past week, from 1,875 to 2,331.

Hospital admissions linked to flu also increased by around 15 per cent, from 860 to 986. So far, there is little evidence of the most severe disease requiring critical care.

Figures reveal that vaccinated children are 78% less likely to be admitted to hospital with flu, while vaccinated adults aged 65 and over are 37% less likely to require hospital treatment. The findings underline the importance of vaccination for those most at risk of serio

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