WITH winter on its way, older people in Worcestershire are being reminded to make sure they have had their flu vaccine.

Anyone aged 65 or older is eligible for a free annual vaccination, which can be arranged by speaking to a GP, practice nurse or pharmacist.

Older people are much more likely to become seriously ill or develop complications such as pneumonia if they develop flu.

Chief clinical officer for NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group Dr Carl Ellson said: “It’s important that as many people as possible who are at risk get vaccinated against flu.

“Flu is not just a bad cold. It can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses, especially for the elderly.

“In the worst cases, flu can result in a hospital stay, and it can even kill.

“The vaccine is the best possible protection against the virus. Even if you have had the vaccination before, the types of virus in circulation change every year, as does the vaccine, therefore it is important that you get the jab every winter.”

Other groups at risk of complications from flu and urged to get the vaccine include pregnant women, people with long-term conditions such as asthma and diabetes, children aged between two and four and youngsters in school years one and two.