Getting the flu jab is more important this year then ever, Swindon's health chief said. 

The council's director of public health Steve Maddern said this year is likely to be more challenging because “we’re not in the same restrictions we were last year".

He added: “We know the general protective measures against Covid also protect against other respiratory diseases such as flu. 

“But actually, we’re mixing a lot more than we were this time last year, so it’s really important to get your jab.”

CCG’s locality clinical lead Dr Amanda Webb said the flu vaccination programme is well underway. 

“With the country being in lockdown the majority of last winter, we are expecting that people’s natural immunity is going to be lower,” she said. 

“And so it is really important that people get their flu vaccine, particularly for older people, pregnant people, those who are more clinically vulnerable.

"So we are really encouraging people to get their vaccine.”