PEOPLE across the borough are being encouraged to get the flu vaccine to help protect themselves and their families this winter.

Flu vaccines are made available by the NHS each year to help to protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Eligible adults are now able to book their free NHS vaccination at their GP practice or local pharmacy and mums-to-be can also get the vaccination at their maternity service.

Covid booster

Those who are eligible may also be offered a free Covid booster at the same time to top up their immunity.

Rachael Musgrave, director of Public Health at Wigan Council, said: “The winter season always poses challenges for us to prepare for with lots of respiratory illness due to viruses like flu and covid.

“For most healthy people, flu can be unpleasant with recovery generally within a week. However, there is a risk of severe illness from catching flu for older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.

“Vaccines save lives. Getting your flu vaccine is one of the kindest things you can do, not just for yourself but for your family and friends. It's easy to do so, if you are eligible, book your flu vaccine today.”

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The flu vaccination is available free to all eligible adults. If you are not eligible to have the jab through the NHS you may be able to arrange to have it privately. Information will be available at your local pharmacy.

Find out if you are eligible by visiting: Find a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccine - NHS - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Flu symptoms can come on very quickly and include:

• A sudden high temperature of 38 degrees or above

• An aching body

• Feeling tired or exhausted

• A dry cough

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Difficulty sleeping

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhoea

• Tummy pain

• Feeling and being sick