HALTON Council is urging 'eligible' residents across the borough to get their free flu jabs.

Many people in Halton have taken the opportunity to have their free flu vaccine to help protect them from several strains of the influenza virus.

However, there are still people in particular 'at risk' groups, who have not yet been vaccinated.

It is particularly important that 'at risk' people get their flu jab as they are more susceptible to the virus and can develop serious health complications. Groups who are at risk, and can get their flu jab for free, include:

  • People aged 65 and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Children aged two and three
  • People under 65 with certain pre-existing, long term health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease
  • People undergoing treatment that compromises their immune system, such a chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • People who are overweight, with a BMI of 40 or over.

Health and social care staff, employed by a registered residential care/nursing home, or registered domiciliary care provider, are also entitled to a free flu vaccination and should contact their local pharmacy or GP if they are not already protected.

People need to get the flu jab every year as the vaccine is updated annually to combat the developing strains of the virus.

Cllr Marie Wright, Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board member for Health and Wellbeing said: "You still have time to protect yourself and get your free flu jab, particularly if you’re part of one of the 'at risk' groups, so I urge you to go to your local pharmacy or GP to get vaccinated as soon as possible."

If you are eligible for the flu vaccine get it now - it's free because you need it. Contact your local pharmacy, GP or midwife.

Visit www.nhs.uk/staywell for more information.