MUMS-TO-BE are being urged to get their free seasonal flu jab this winter.
For the first time the jab will be offered to pregnant women because it also offers protection against swine flu.
Pregnant women who catch the H1N1 strain of the virus are at an increased risk of severe disease and flu-related hospital admissions, so it is vital they get the flu jab.
The swine flu jab has been combined with the seasonal flu injection to prevent an outbreak of the potentially fatal disease during the winter months, when more people are at risk.
Everyone aged 65 and over is routinely offered the jab, as are younger people with long-term conditions, such as heart disease and asthma.
If anybody thinks they should receive a flu jab, for whatever reason, they should contact their GP practice who can advise them further.
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