WITH winter fast approaching, residents are being urged to make sure they are protected from the flu virus.

For the most vulnerable, flu can be deadly so Public Health England have launched a campaign to inform people of the free vaccine available to them.

The groups entitled to the free vaccine are children aged between two and four, anyone under 65 with underlying health conditions, people over 65 and carers.

Helen Hicks, 31, of Highworth, has already had her two-year-old son Jenson vaccinated. However, instead of getting the injection, Jenson had the nasal spray which is available to youngsters.

She said: “He’s had injections before obviously, but this just makes everything even easier. Being vaccinated also means I will worry less about him passing anything on to others, like his grandparents, so there are lots of reasons why it only makes sense to have it done.

“He goes to pre-school, so there’s the potential to pick up lots of things and flu can be quite nasty, not only for your health but also the massive disruption it causes.

“I’m a busy working mum, so can’t afford not to take this chance to protect my family. I had it when I was pregnant too because it’s simply not worth the risk, particularly when there’s a vaccine freely available.”

Last year the number of two to four year olds who got the vaccine was slightly below the national average at 40.7 per cent but the number of adults protecting themselves was above the average at 55 per cent.

Coun Brian Mattock (Con, Old Town), the cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “Speaking personally as a diabetic, which puts me in an a risk group, I’ve received a letter from my GP inviting me for the flu vaccine and I’ll definitely be taking this up.

“I have a busy work schedule which involves meeting lots of people and I also have young grandchildren, so being vaccinated is an absolute must. Flu is a nasty virus, which can in rare circumstances also have terrible consequences, so I would encourage people to take the necessary precaution and be vaccinated.

“It’s a quick and simple thing to do, which will save lots of potential problems not just for you, but also family, friends and colleagues.”

Dr Ayo Oyinloye, Swindon council consultant in public health medicine, said: “Although rare, contracting flu can prove fatal and it also results in hundreds of hospital admissions each year, not to mention the many absences at school and in the workplace.

“These groups are at greater risk of being more seriously affected by flu and I would urge all those in these groups to contact their GP Practice as soon as possible to book an appointment.”