SWINE flu might have caught the headlines this year but people are now being encouraged to get their seasonal flu jab for winter.

Everyone aged 65 and over is offered the injection, as are younger people with long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and serious kidney and liver disease.

At-risk groups are asked to visit their local surgery and get the vaccination as soon as possible.

The NHS’s regional director of public health for the south east, Dr Yvonne Doyle, said: “For those under 65 with long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions, remember that even if you feel well you are at increased risk of seasonal flu and the jab is your best protection.

“There has been so much coverage about swine flu this year that it is very important to remind people not to forget about getting their normal annual flu jab.”