PATIENTS at risk of complications are being advised to think ahead and get their free flu jab.

Flu clinics are being held at a variety of locations across Malvern and Upton this month and through October and November, including at Link End Surgery, Malvern Health Centre, New Court Surgery, St Saviour’s Surgery, Whiteacres Medical Centre and Upton Surgery.

Those eligible for the jab include people aged over 65, those with a serious medical condition such as a heart complaint, a lung disease such as asthma, liver disease or have suffered a stroke.

Pregnant women and young children are also some of the one in three people eligible for the jab.

Older people, the very young, women who are pregnant and those with some underlying diseases are at particular risk of severe illness such as pneumonia if they catch flu.

Local GP, Dr Jonathan Thorn from Malvern Health Centre said: “The simple message for anyone at risk in Malvern or Upton is take action now and protect yourself against flu.

“Flu is not just a bad cold. It can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses, especially for the elderly and those with long term or chronic conditions. In the worst cases, flu can result in a hospital admission, and even be fatal in those vulnerable, at risk patients."

Patients registered with Malvern practices or Upton Surgery are being encouraged to attend one of the special flu clinics being arranged by local GPs.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/flu