THE Forest’s ‘health champion’ is backing a free flu jab campaign.

Cllr Craig Lawton recently met with community pharmacists and is backing the campaign run by Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group.

The campaign is raising awareness of the importance of free flu jabs for people who are most at risk throughout the county in time for winter.

Cllr Lawton (Conservative, Oxenhall and Newent North East) said: “Children between the ages of two and seven, as well as older people over the age of 65, can experience flu symptoms that are much more distressing than other groups.

“Children can now get their vaccine without even needing to go near a needle thanks to a new child-friendly nasal spray.”

Children between the ages of two and four as well as those in school years one, two and three can all get the nasal-spray for free on the NHS this year.

Cllr Lawton added: “Pregnant women as well as people with conditions such asthma, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease can also get their flu jab for free.

“I would recommend that residents who are at a higher risk of complications, as a result of flu, contact their GP or community pharmacist for more information. Anyone who is a designated first aider should consider getting their flu jab as well.”

For more information visit www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk