It's not too late to get your flu jab - but hurry!

Pregnant women, over 65s and children and vulnerable adults with medical conditions, can still get vaccinated against seasonal flu.

The NHS is warning that not getting the jab if eligible could seriously put your health at risk.

While the majority of older people in north Essex have received their flu vaccine, less than half of under 65s and only 27 per cent of pregnant women have been vaccinated.

GP surgeries are due to stop running their flu clinics so people need to move quickly to book their free jab.

Dr Pam Hall, public health consultant for NHS North Essex, said: “We are really concerned that this poor uptake of the vaccine could put many people’s lives at risk. For most people flu is just a nasty experience, but for some it can lead to more serious illnesses resulting in a spell in hospital and even death.

“The flu vaccine is strictly regulated to ensure it is very safe and effective. The vaccines cannot cause flu as they do not contain the live virus. Most side-effects are minor compared to the risk of catching flu and developing serious illness.”

Following basic hygiene guidelines and ‘Catch It, Bin It, Kill It’ rules will also limit your chances of catching and passing flu on.

Am I eligible? These groups of people are:

anyone aged 65 or over
pregnant women (in any stage of pregnancy)
people with a long-term condition including diabetes, asthma, liver disease, kidney disease or heart or chest problems
people undergoing medical treatment who may have a compromised immune system
people with a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
people living in a residential or nursing home
a main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if they fall ill