Elderly residents across the borough are being urged to protect themselves with a flu vaccination this winter.

Pregnant women and those suffering from health conditions such as cancer have also been advised to get the jab.

The NHS makes the vaccine available to people aged over 65, pregnant women, people suffering from long-term health conditions, those with a weakened immune system, children aged between two and four and carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

Prakash Chandra, local GP and chair of Newham Clinical Commissioning (CCG), said: “If you are part of any of the groups identified as being at risk if you get the flu, then you should get a flu jab. It’s safe, it’s free, and it can’t give you flu.

“Remember, flu has the potential to be really serious – causing complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and in some cases even death. That’s why it’s so important that people at risk make an appointment with their GP to get their flu jab.”

The vaccine is updated every year to combat the latest flu strains.

All GP surgeries offer the flu jab free of charge to people who are at risk to make sure that they are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications.

Councillor Clive Furness, mayoral adviser for adults and health, said: “It is important that those who are the most susceptible of developing flu take up their free jabs. Not only does this help keep those at the greatest risk of getting flu healthy but also helps ease the pressure on our health services during the winter.

“I will be renewing my flu jab this year. It only takes a few seconds and it could be the difference between staying healthy this winter or becoming seriously ill.”