Gravesham MP Adam Holloway has urged people to take up their free flu jabs.

The politician is hoping to boost the number of people in the high risk group having the vaccine following low uptake. 

More than half of people in the high risk group in Gravesham did not take up their vaccines last year as well as 30 per cent of those over 65.

Mr Holloway had his flu jab in the House of Commons as part of Westminster Flu Day last Wednesday (October 22).

He said "The consequences of having flu for certain groups of people, such as people with a medical condition, pregnant women, children and people over the age of 65 can be serious. 

"I would therefore urge everyone who is entitled to a free flu vaccine on the NHS to go and get vaccinated."

Mr Holloway is under 65 and not in the high risk group so he paid £10 for his vaccination.

The consequences of flu can be fatal and Department of Health research suggests there were around 11,000 deaths from illness in the UK during the 2012/13 flu season.