VULNERABLE people in Dwyfor Meirionnydd have been urged to get their flu jabs as soon as possible.

The annual campaign to encourage people in eligible groups across Wales to have a vaccination to protect themselves from influenza has been launched this week.

The Beat Flu Campaign encourages those who need it most to get protection each year against influenza, a potentially dangerous disease.

The eligible groups include pregnant women, people with certain chronic long-term health conditions, people with a BMI over 40 and everyone aged over 65.

Children aged between two and eight years are also eligible as the vaccine programme for children is being extended again this year. The vaccine for adults is a small injection, but for children it is a simple nasal spray.

Teresa Owen, director of public health for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, is urging all those who are eligible to have the flu jab.

“Flu can cause serious complications and even lead to death,” she said. “The flu vaccine can significantly reduce the chances of people getting flu so it is very important that those who are eligible for the vaccine by their GP, local community pharmacist or employer take up the offer to ensure they are protected.

“GPs across north Wales have been preparing for this winter’s battle against the flu bug and are already contacting eligible patients inviting them for the vaccine. Our own occupational health department and local vaccinators have also started vaccinating our staff.

“The school nurse teams will be visiting each primary school immunising children in Reception and Years 1-4 to offer the nasal flu vaccine which is given as a quick and painless spray up the nose.

“We have to ensure that people who are eligible for this free vaccine are aware that the flu virus can kill – and the best people can do to protect themselves is to have the vaccine”

Read the full story in this week’s north editions of the Cambrian News