THOSE at greater risk of flu are this week being urged to get vaccinated.

Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has launched its annual annual flu vaccination campaign and is inviting people to get their vaccination against the virus.

The flu vaccine is available for free on the NHS for people aged 65 years and over; patients with underlying health conditions that could put them more at risk; pregnant women; all children aged two to nine; people in long-stay residential care homes; and carers.

Clinical locality director at Oxfordshire CCG Dr Edward Capo-Bianco, said: “People aged over 65, pregnant women and people aged under 65 with a long term condition such as diabetes or heart disease will be invited to attend flu clinics at their GP surgery to get a free NHS flu vaccination.

"It is quick and easy to have and is the best form of protection for them and others.

"The flu is not the same as getting a cold.

"It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are greater for people within the ‘at-risk’ groups.

"Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days, but for some the disease can lead to a stay in hospital, permanent disability or even death.”

Children are able to get the vaccine through a nasal spray rather than injection.

For more information on the NHS flu vaccine visit www.nhs.uk or https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/