Local AM Paul Davies is urging all those eligible for the free flu vaccine to protect themselves against catching or spreading flu, which is a debilitating and potentially deadly illness. Mr Davies is joining calls being made by leading health professionals urging people aged 65 or over, carers, pregnant women and those with certain long-term illnesses to make an appointment with their local GP and get the free flu vaccine soon.

All children aged two and three years old on 31 August 2016, and children in primary school reception class, year one, two and three in school are also being offered protection with a nasal spray flu vaccine. The two and three year olds will have their nasal spray vaccine at their GP surgery and children in reception class, year one, two and three (generally aged 4 - 7 years old) will be offered their nasal spray vaccine at school.

Mr Davies said: “Last year in Wales less than half of those in an ‘at-risk group’ (47%) under the age of 65 took up their free NHS vaccination, and we really need to significantly increase the numbers of people being vaccinated in order to prevent the spread of this largely preventable illness.”

He added, “Flu can be so much more dangerous than we think and can cause severe or even life-threatening health complications for vulnerable patients. That’s why it’s important that everyone eligible for the free flu jab is vaccinated and I encourage those eligible across Pembrokeshire to do so as soon as possible.