BEXLEY GPs are urging mums-to-be and over 65s to have their free flu jab this winter.

Latest figures show just 48 per cent of those eligible have taken advantage of the annual vaccination across the borough.

Dr Howard Stoate said: "The time to have your jab as a precautionary measure is now, not when you’ve already come down with something.

"You can be in and out of your local surgery in five minutes and the jab is painless.

"Influenza is unpleasant even if you are in good health so it’s important people who are more vulnerable take advantage of the scheme."

Groups who qualify for a free vaccination are those over 65, pregnant women, people with a serious medical condition - such as asthma or diabetes - people living in long-stay residential accommodation, carers and front-line health workers.