NHS England in Durham, Darlington and Tees is urging those most at risk from flu to protect themselves with a free flu jab.

Those most at risk include pregnant women, people living with a health condition such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints, and those aged 65 and over.

Dr James Gossow, medical director, Durham, Darlington and Tees NHS England, said: “Flu can knock even the healthiest people off their feet for a couple of weeks, but for some people it can be really serious.”

In recent years, critical care units across the region have been busy with people who should have been vaccinated against flu, but instead ended up seriously ill over Christmas.

Most of these patients would have been eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS.

Dr Gossow added: “The latest statistics show that worryingly only 41.6 per cent of pregnant women, 47.1 per cent of those with long term health conditions and 70.6 per cent of those aged 65 or over have had the flu jab so far this winter, even though the vaccine has been widely available since the beginning of October.

“I really want to emphasise how severe flu can be.

“Not only can it stop you caring for your kids and keep you off work, but it can lead to more critical illness and a spell in hospital – and no one wants that over Christmas.

“Flu is a preventable illness and we really don’t want to see anyone getting seriously ill.”

For more information about flu jabs, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.