AT RISK groups across Bradford are being reminded to get vaccinated before the flu season peaks.

Bradford Council’s public health team is urging people to make sure they get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the virus.

The latest national statistics show about two in every three people who are pregnant, children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old or who have long term health conditions are yet to get this year’s dose of the vaccine. Those aged 65 or older by the March 31, 2015 are also eligible for a free flu vaccination.

People in the clinically ‘at risk’ groups are 11 times more likely to experience complications if they get the flu than a ‘healthy person’. This includes those suffering from heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen or neurological diseases, diabetes, stroke or a lowered immune system.

Pregnant women who get the vaccination will also pass on the protection to their babies for the first few months after they are born.

All two, three and four-year-olds are being asked to take a safe and effective nasal spray vaccine to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of flu.

Ralph Saunders, the Council’s head of public health, said: “Making an appointment to have a quick and simple vaccination is a lot easier than suffering from the flu for a couple of weeks. If you receive a letter from your GP or employer, it’s because you need it.

“It can take a couple of weeks for the body to produce the antibody it needs to protect yourself so there is no advantage in waiting until the peak of the flu season is here.

“Flu is not just a cold. It is very contagious and can be a really serious illness. Having the flu vaccine doesn’t just protect you; it helps stop the flu spreading to other people who may be even more vulnerable than yourself.”