MORE than a quarter of people aged over 65 in Worcestershire have not claimed their free winter flu jab.

NHS bosses are reminding people that it is not too late to get the jab, which can help protect them from the flu and the complications it can cause.

Figures released by NHS England show that 28.1 per cent of over-65s across Worcestershire have not had their jab.

The data shows that 73.4 per cent of registered GP patients over 65 in the South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) area have had the jab, 72.5 per cent in the Wyre Forest CCG area and 69.9 per cent in the Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG area.

Dr Kiran Patel, medical director for NHS England (West Midlands), said: “It might feel like the end of winter isn’t too far away, but it’s certainly not too late for people over the age of 65 to protect themselves against flu by claiming their free jab.

“Older people are at an increased risk of serious illness or even death if they contract flu, and yet they can be protected through a quick and easy jab that costs them nothing.

“I would urge anyone with an elderly friend, relative or neighbour to check that they’ve had their jab this winter – and encourage them to contact their GP or local pharmacy if they haven’t.”