OLDER people in a borough are being encouraged to have a free flu jab.

Greenwich PCT has made the call to people aged over 65 in the borough.

People with a chronic heart or chest complaint, including asthma, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment should also get the jab.

Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust director of primary care David Sturgeon said: “Flu is a serious illness - it kills many people every year and many more end up in hospital.

“It doesn’t have to be that way because the flu vaccination is effective in preventing flu and therefore reducing the number of people who have to go to hospital.”

To arrange your flu jab contact your GP practice and book an appointment now or check with your pharmacy.