Pensioners, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions are among those being urged to get the flu jab as winter approaches.

Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group says those who are most vulnerable should protect themselves and their families by availing of the free vaccine.

Children aged two to eight years, carers and frontline health and social care workers are also eligible for the jab. 

For the first time pupils in Year 4 will be offered the vaccine in a school setting, along with children in reception and years 1, 2 and 3.

Dr Anwar Khan, chairman of NHS Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Getting the free flu vaccination can help the most vulnerable people in Waltham Forest to prepare for winter and avoid having to visit hospital due to common winter illnesses.

“The vaccine is updated every year to combat the latest strains of the flu virus, so if you are in an at-risk group and had the jab last year, you will need another one this year.

“If you are someone who is at a higher risk of illness if you get the flu, then I encourage you to take up the offer of a flu jab.”

Last year’s flu vaccine programme reduced the risk of flu in children who received the vaccine by 65.3 per cent.

To get the vaccine or to find out if you are eligible, contact your GP, pharmacist or midwife.

People who are not in the at-risk groups, and therefore not eligible for the free vaccine, are still strongly recommended to make their own arrangements to get the jab at their local pharmacy.