GP practices will now start inviting patients, holding flu clinics and publicising their programmes. GPs will be paid £7.50 per seasonal flu jab.

Ms Sturgeon said: ‘Having flu is never pleasant but most people make a quick recovery. However, some people are more at risk of complications and for them flu can be very serious - or even fatal.

‘While this simple jab will provide protection against seasonal flu it won't protect against the pandemic H1N1 strain.

‘The H1N1 vaccine has now been licensed and the vaccination programme for priority groups will start shortly, as soon as supplies are delivered.'

Scotland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Harry Burns added: ‘I would urge everyone who is entitled to receive a flu vaccination - whether for seasonal or H1N1 flu or both - to do so as soon as possible.'

England's flu jab campaign begins next week.