HEALTH AND CARE: Protect yourself and your unborn baby this winter '“ get the flu jab

The vaccine – which is free for expectant mums – protects against the virus.

It is safe for both mums-to-be and their baby.

Unlike the common cold, flu can be serious and cause complications for more vulnerable groups.

The flu vaccine is available for free to vulnerable groups, including:

• Pregnant women.

• Those aged 65 years and over.

• People aged six months to 64 years with long-term conditions.

• Children aged two, three and four and children in school years one, two and three.

• Everyone living in a residential or nursing home.

• Carers.

Even if you received the vaccine last year, this does not guarantee you will be safe this winter.

A different vaccine is used each year because the virus which causes the flu changes.

As a result, it is vital that you protect yourself and your baby.

We can all take simple steps to reduce the spread of the flu virus:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of that tissue after use.

• Clean hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol hand gel, especially after coughing or sneezing.

You can find more information about seasonal flu at www.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/fight-flu

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