Winter health campaign launched to promote flu vaccination

People across the country are being encouraged to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their health this winter.

A new winter health campaign is being launched by Public Health England and NHS England to coincide with the commencement of a national flu vaccination programme for children, which is being extended to children in school years 1 and 2 for the first time.

It aims to help three million children between the ages of two and six, with the youngest primary school children in 17,000 schools to be eligible to receive the free nasal spray vaccine.

Other groups who can receive vaccines include pregnant women, over-65s, people with chronic conditions and carers.

Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: "Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from catching flu and I would urge everyone who is offered the vaccine free on the NHS to get vaccinated."

Further steps to be taken include keeping warm, consulting pharmacists for health advice, stocking up on prescription medicines ahead of Christmas and taking medication as directed.