AS temperatures fall, residents across the town are reminded not to let being vaccinated against the flu fall off their to-do list.

Protecting against the flu is one of the best ways to stay well over the winter months and many people in the borough have already taken advantage of having the free vaccine, which is available for anyone over the age of 65, pregnant women, young children, anyone with underlying health conditions or weak immune systems and those in receipt of carers allowance.

It’s not just older people who are more susceptible to the virus, which is why the age range young children eligible to be vaccinated on the NHS has been extended this year to include all two to seven-year-olds.

Mum-of-one Mussah Dube-Manungo, aged 36, from Haydon Wick, has already taken her four-year-old daughter Desirae to the GP to be vaccinated with the quick, easy and painless nasal spray.

Mussah, who works as a commissioning support and development officer, said: “I’ve made sure Desirae has had the vaccine each year ever since she was two. It has definitely paid off because her health has been pretty good and she has avoided having heavy bouts of the illness like before.”

So impressed that the vaccine has successfully kept the virus at bay, Mussah and her husband Onard, aged 37, both decided to get themselves vaccinated.

“I was struck down with the flu in 2014 and dreaded potentially passing it on to my daughter. Thankfully, my fears were unfounded and she survived the flu season unscathed by all the unpleasant symptoms which are nasty for her and can wreak havoc with your daily routine, especially as we both work,” Mussah said.

“So we chose to have the jab last year and I’m pleased to report it worked a treat. We’ve had it again this year because it helps to give you peace of mind and whilst it takes a bit of time to set up, it saves you so much more in the long run – not to mention the worry and risk of ill health.”

Ideally, it’s important to be vaccinated by early November and people need to have it annually to stay protected, as the viruses that cause flu change every year. More than 400 Swindon Borough Council staff, particularly frontline health workers, have been vaccinated to help protect themselves and residents.

The effects of flu are often underestimated and it’s not uncommon, particularly with more vulnerable groups, for it to result in being admitted to hospital. In the most extreme cases it can be fatal.

Dr Ayoola Oyinloye, public health consultant at Swindon Borough Council, said: “I’ve had my vaccine and I encourage everyone to do so, especially those more likely to be severely affected by the illness. It’s great to hear stories of whole families, like Mussah’s, who have decided to all have the vaccine and are experiencing the benefits. Getting the flu is not just a danger to health, it also stops people being able to go to school, work or enjoy social occasions. Being vaccinated is the most reliable way to stop getting the flu and inadvertently passing the virus to loved ones.”

If you think you might need the flu vaccine, contact your local GP surgery to book an appointment. For more information and advice about how to stay well this winter, go online at www.nhs.uk/staywell