PEOPLE most at risk from flu are being urged to protect themselves and their families in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year.

Full protection from the flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to develop and Gloucestershire County Council is advising people to act now to ensure flu doesn’t ruin the festivities.

The highly contagious viral infection can be caught by anyone and it can be a really serious illness for some.

Those who are most at risk include people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, people with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints, and diabetes as well as children and adults with weakened immune systems.

Healthcare workers are also advised to take the vaccination.

This year the flu vaccination is also being offered to all two and three-year-olds as a nasal spray - and parents and guardians are being encouraged to protect children in this age group.

Cllr Dorcas Binns, cabinet member for public health and communities, said: “Flu is a preventable illness so we are encouraging those who are entitled to a vaccination to book an appointment in the next couple of weeks to make sure they are protected.”

For more information speak to your GP or a pharmacist or visit www.nhs.uk/flu