Bradford’s public health chief is urging people eligible for a free winter flu vaccination to make sure they get it.

All people 65 years old and over, those with long term health conditions, children aged two and three years and pregnant women can go to their GPs now to get the jab.

People in the clinically ‘at risk’ groups are 11 times more likely to experience complications if they get the flu than a ‘healthy person.’

Anita Parkin, Director of Public Health for Bradford Council, said: “It’s vital that everyone who receives a letter from their GP makes an appointment to have the quick and simple vaccination and not leave it to chance.

“It’s not just a cold. Flu is very contagious and can be a really serious illness. Having the flu vaccine doesn’t just protect you, it helps stop the flu spreading to other people who may be even more vulnerable than you.”

Dr Rona Daniels, screening and immunisation lead for NHS England in West Yorkshire, said: “Even if you’ve already had a flu jab in previous years, you need another one this year. This is because the viruses that cause flu are always changing.

“I would particularly encourage older people, adults and children in at-risk groups and mums-to-be to make sure they have their flu jab to protect themselves.

"For mums-to-be this protects themselves and their unborn babies as flu can lead to serious complications in pregnant women. National guidance states the vaccine is safe throughout pregnancy and can protect newborn babies up to about four to six months from birth.

“For most healthy people not in at- risk groups, flu remains a mild illness and generally they will recover in a few days after getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and using over-the-counter remedies such as paracetamol.”

Anyone not at risk can contact their local pharmacy to find out how they can receive the flu vaccination although a charge will apply.