ELIGIBLE residents are being reminded to get their free flu vaccination before it is too late.

Many people in Warrington have taken the opportunity to access their 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 more

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 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 Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “We want to protect our communities as much as we can, particularly our more vulnerable residents.

“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.

"Go to your pharmacy or GP to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

"For young children, the nasal spray vaccination is a quick and painless way to be protected.”

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