PEOPLE eligible for a free flu vaccination are being reminded that its not to late to protect themselves this winter.

It comes as the Met Office is forecasting colder conditions from today with an 80 per cent chance of severe cold weather between Friday and Monday. Health chiefs say the cold weather can make people more likely to catch a winter illness that could become very serious.

Distington GP Dr Helen Horton said: “The flu jab is a simple procedure which could ultimately save lives. Don’t wait until there is a flu outbreak this winter; get your vaccination as soon as possible, especially if you are in an at risk category.

“Real flu can be debilitating and if you are already living with a condition, you are either very young or very old it can hit you harder.

“NHS staff are encouraged to get the vaccination which will also help to protect patients, colleagues and their families.”

This year, Public Health England is providing a quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against four strains of flu, to those aged 18-64 with underlying health conditions. For people aged 65 and over, a more effective adjuvanted vaccine will be offered to help their immune systems develop protection against flu.