A total of 26 people have been treated in intensive care so far this year after contracting flu.
Recent figures show that since the end of December, more than two dozen new flu patients have been admitted to hospital intensive care units.
Most of these patients also had underlying health conditions, prompting a fresh plea for people to protect themselves by being immunised.
More than two million Scots are eligible for a free flu vaccine, but the latest figures show almost half (48%) of those with pre-existing health problems who are eligible for the jab have not yet received it.
Those who suffer from chronic conditions such as asthma, heart problems, diabetes, kidney or liver disease are offered the vaccination by the NHS as they can suffer serious complications if they contract flu.
Pregnant women are also given the jab for free, as they are at greater risk of dying from flu, or losing their baby, but more than half (54%) of mothers-to-be have not had the vaccine.
In comparison, three quarters of those aged 65 and above - who also get the vaccine on the NHS - have already received it.
Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: "It is important that those who are eligible for the flu vaccination make an appointment as soon as possible to protect their health.
"Flu is a serious illness and each year the winter months present an increase in the number of cases requiring hospital treatment. Flu can cause severe health complications and the best way to protect yourself and help prevent spread of the virus is to get vaccinated."
She told those who have not yet had the jab: "It only takes a few minutes and even if you were immunised against flu last winter it is important to receive the vaccine again, as the viruses change each season."
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