Take flu vaccine if offered says council

Councillor Patricia Stallard, who is in charge of public health at Hampshire County Council, says the jab remains the most effective method to protect against influenza.

She said: ‘For most healthy people, flu is an unpleasant but short-lived illness.

‘However, people who catch flu pass it on to, on average, two people – putting our most vulnerable at an increased risk. It is important that these vulnerable groups are protected.’

The NHS offers the flu vaccine free of charge to those most at risk from catching flu and developing serious complications.

This includes anyone who is the main carer for an elderly or disabled person at home, pregnant women, the over-65s and others with certain existing health condition such as diabetes and asthma.

The council is providing free flu vaccines to its frontline health and social care staff who work with elderly or vulnerable groups.

A nasal vaccine is being offered to children from two years old, to Year 3 school age, as well as those with a long-term health condition.

The council say parents will be contacted to make an appointment for the vaccine.