People eligible for the free flu jab this year have been urged to get it before the end of the month.

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group, which looks after south west Hertfordshire, is supporting the NHS campaign in preparation for an unpredictable flu season.

The campaign aims to encourage those at-risk who are eligible for the free flu vaccination to take up the offer.

The campaign also targets parents of two to four-year-old children who are eligible for a newly available nasal spray vaccine, to offer a quick, effective and painless way to protect children against flu and helps to reduce its spread to those around them.

Unpaid carers are also being encouraged to prioritise their own health and ask their GP for a free flu vaccine this winter. 

Flu is a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very suddenly.

Healthy individuals usually recover in two to seven days but for some, the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or death.

Those considered most at risk and in need of the vaccine, include pregnant women who can suffer from serious complications such as pneumonia, miscarriage or having a baby too soon as a result of flu.

People who have a long-term health condition, even one that is well managed are also at increased risk of complications as a result of flu.