Pregnant women and over 65s offered flu jab

Hackney residents considered to be at risk this winter are being encouraged to get their free flu jab to protect them from seasonal viruses, including swine flu.

The vaccination is offered to everyone aged 65 and over, as well as younger people with long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, serious kidney and liver disease.

This year, for the first time, all pregnant women are also being offered the seasonal flu vaccination to protect them against the H1N1 virus (swine flu) that will still be circulating this winter.

The vaccination is available from most Hackney pharmacies and through local GPs.

More information from the NHS about winter health.