Doreen Tipton has joined health professionals to urge patients across the Black Country to get their free flu jabs to protect themselves and those around them.

In a video launched by Futureproof Health, the Black Country comedy icon reminds residents that it’s time for those at greatest risk from flu to protect themselves and their families with a free flu jab.

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch, and it can be a really serious illness for some. Those at greater risk from flu include people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, and those with a long term health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes.

Over 25 million people will be offered the free flu jab this year, including children aged 2-11 years who will be offered the nasal spray vaccine. If you haven’t had your vaccination yet, it’s not too late.

Doreen explains if you care for someone over 65, it’s advisable to get vaccinated too, saying people need to protect themselves in order to protect those they care for. Dr Kevin Dawes from Future Proof Health said:

“Flu is not just a cold – it can be a really serious illness for some people and it doesn’t just affect older people. If you’re pregnant, have lowered immunity or a long term health condition then you should also get a free flu jab from your GP."

The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe. The jab doesn’t contain the ‘live’ virus so it cannot give you the flu. Dr Dawes added:

“Flu can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and can make existing conditions much worse. Flu can knock you off your feet and make it hard to look after the kids or go to work.  

"In the most serious cases, seasonal flu might land you in hospital - it can even be a killer. So Help Us, Help You by ensuring that you, your children or relatives take up the free and convenient flu vaccine as soon as you can”.

Those wishing to book an appointment should contact their GP. It’s quick, safe and free for those most at risk from the virus. For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit nhs.uk/flu.