PEOPLE in South Gloucestershire who are eligible for free flu vaccination have been told it's not too late to get the jab from their GP or pharmacist.

Pregnant women and anyone with a long-term health condition are at greater risk of developing complications as a result of flu.

Parents of children aged between two and four are also encouraged to get the vaccination for their youngsters to protect them against flu and help limit its spread.

Dr Jonathan Hayes, chairman of the NHS South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "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 even death."

But he said only 53 per cent of those with an underlying condition that put them at risk of severe infection took up the offer of a free flu jab in 2013-14.

Dr Haynes said: "Last year’s flu season was less severe than some we have seen. But flu is an unpredictable virus and it is impossible to predict the impact of the disease and how many serious cases there might be as new strains might circulate each year with varying intensity."

Anyone who wants the vaccination should contact their GP or visit a pharmacist as soon as possible.