Patients urged to get flu jab

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch, it can be a really serious illness and it can increase people’s risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Those at greatest risk of contracting flu are entitles to a free flu jab from their GP.

These jabs are available for anyone aged 65 or over, pregnant women, people with conditions such as severe asthma, diabetes or heart disease, young children aged two to four and carers.

Dunstable GP Dr Bruce Ella said: “I’ve had my flu jab, and I encourage all my patients at risk to have theirs before it is too late.

“As a GP, I find it frustrating that there is little I can do for my patients once they contract flu. The only tool we have in our armament is to give our immune system a head start with the flu vaccination.

“The vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu. So even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay safe from flu.”

Last year 278 people across Bedfordshire died from flu-related illness.

Many pharmacies also offer the vaccination for a small fee, so anyone not eligible for a free flu jab should ask their local pharmacist.