22 Feb 2011

Jabs urged as this year's flu vaccine arrives

8:45 am on 22 February 2011

This year's flu vaccine has begun arriving in doctors' surgeries, and health officials are urging people to ensure they are vaccinated.

The director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre, Nicky Turner, says the vaccine is the same as last year's and targets three types of flu, including the N1H1 virus, which was the main flu seen by GPs last year.

Dr Turner says the vaccine is free for pregnant women, people over the age of 65 and those with chronic ailments.

She says people should check with their GP whether they have any underlying condition that might necessitate a flu jab.