YOUNG children and the elderly are being urged to get the seasonal flu jab to avoid an epidemic this winter.

A simple flu vaccine could help combat the illness or at least lessen the symptoms to its much more minor, according to East Quay Medical Centre.

Dr Gardiner at East Quay Medical Centre said: “Annual flu vaccinations are the best protection against flu for people with underlying health problems that put them at risk of complications from flu and for all those 65 and over or in long stay residential care.

This year all children age two or three are also invited to have a new nasal flu vaccination.

Increasing the uptake of the flu vaccination among the high risk groups as well as those who are more likely to spread the virus should also contribute to easing winter pressure on primary care services and hospital admissions.”

East Quay Medical Centre are offering seasonal flu vaccination by appointment on the following days: October 2, 4, 7 and 14.

Call 01278-444666 for further details.