Health chiefs are urging people with learning disabilities to ensure they are vaccinated against flu this winter.

Anyone with a learning disability is entitled to receive a free vaccination. They can be more susceptible to the effects of flu and have a higher risk of developing complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Carers of anyone with a learning disability are also entitled to the free vaccination. The vaccine offers the best level of protection from the virus, and it’s important to have the vaccine every year, especially as the flu virus strain changes every year.

Now is the time that GP practices are carrying out vaccinations for those at risk and inviting them in to be vaccinated.

Anyone who is defined as being in an ‘at risk’ group should contact their surgery and arrange an appointment to have the vaccine.

Having the vaccine sooner provides the individual with protection over a longer period of time; it also helps reduce the chances of spreading the virus to family and friends.

Dr Liz Mearns, medical director, NHS England South (Wessex) said: “Flu is a very unpleasant illness.

“Its symptoms can be miserable for many of us, but it can lead to more serious complications for those who fall within certain clinical ‘at risk’ groups.”