PEOPLE in Oxfordshire aged 65 and over are being invited to get a more effective vaccination to protect them against flu.

Last year the vaccine proved ineffective in some cases against the most common strain of the virus, meaning many people who had had the jab still became sick.

Clinical locality director at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group Dr Edward Capo-Bianco, said: “People are being offered a more effective vaccine this year, which helps their immune systems develop protection against flu.

"I would urge them to have the vaccination when they are invited by their GP practice to attend a flu clinic in the next few months.

"These clinics are being held to protect all at-risk patients from flu.”

Ed added: “The flu is not the same as getting a cold. It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are greater for people within the ‘at-risk’ groups.

"Healthy people usually recover within two to seven days, but for some the illness can lead to a stay in hospital, permanent disability or even death.”