HAMPSHIRE health chiefs are urging people to take up the offer of flu vaccinations this winter.

Some flu clinics have postponed giving out the jabs because of the late arrival of the vaccine.

But Dr Linda Booth, consultant in communicable diseases at the North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority, said it was worth the wait.

"As the peak of the season is usually in January it is still worth having the jab in late November or even in early December."

The authority advises the free jabs for those aged over 65 and younger people with problems such as asthma, chest infections, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and weakened immune systems.

Further information is available on the authority's website at www.hants.gov.uk/nmhha.