PEOPLE in West Somerset are being urged to get the flu jab to protect themselves and others from flu this winter.

Flu is a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very suddenly. It can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability and even death, especially among at-risk groups.

The flu vaccine is free to those in groups at particular risk of infection and complications:

* Pregnant women.

* Children aged two to four and in school years one and two.

* Those aged 65 or over.

* Carers – those receiving a carer’s allowance or who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk the carer falls ill.

Last year in Somerset, 71.3 per cent of the over 65s had the flu vaccination but only 39 per cent of pregnant women and 48.2 per cent of those from six months to under 65 in ‘at risk’ groups had a vaccination..

Trudi Grant, Somerset’s Director of Public Health, said: “Don’t put off getting the flu vaccination. If someone is eligible, it is free because they have a higher risk.

“Exactly how effective the vaccine is can vary from year to year, but it is still the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from catching flu.

“The higher levels of flu last winter just prove how important it is to defend ourselves against this virus.”

The NHS ’Stay Well This Winter’ campaign urges people over 65 or those with long term health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease or respiratory illness to prepare for winter with advice on how to ward off common illnesses so they do not require a visit to the hospital.