SOUTH Craven people are being urged to take-up the offer of an NHS flu jab.

North Yorkshire health chiefs say the vaccination provides essential protection, particularly for those in at-risk groups.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, the county’s director of public health, said: “Having the flu vaccine is very important, especially for older people, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions, such as asthma and respiratory diseases.

“Flu isn’t something to be taken lightly – in England, it causes around 8,000 deaths every year.

“It’s also very easy for people to pass flu on. About 77 per cent of people carry flu without even knowing they have it, as they have none of the usual symptoms.

“This year we’re also making a special appeal to everyone working in frontline health and social care roles to ensure they get their free jab as soon as possible.

“Flu is caused by a virus and is highly contagious, so it spreads very quickly in places like residential homes and often has very serious consequences for vulnerable residents, visitors and staff.”

His plea is echoed by County Councillor Caroline Dickinson, the executive member for public health.

She added: “Having the flu jab is the single best thing to do to prevent the spread of the virus, but there are also little things you can do to boost its success rate.

“This includes making sure you wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve had an attack of sneezing or coughing, and keeping away from friends, family and work colleagues as much as you can if you’re ill with the flu.”

People can get a flu jab at GP surgeries, chemists and large supermarkets.

The vaccine is free to people working in health care services, anyone aged 65 or over or with an existing medical condition, people in long-stay care homes and pregnant women.

There is also a school vaccination programme for children aged two to nine.