Residents in Kent are being urged by councils to get the flu vaccine if they are eligble for it.

Kent County Council (KCC) is hoping to reach the most at risk of fllu, including young children, older people and pregnant women.

Children aged from two to four-years-old, alongside people aged 65 or older, those with long term medical conditions and mums-to-be, are among the priority groups to get the vaccine.

Statistics from last year*show that across the west Kent area, many people over 65 are taking up the offer of a vaccine with around 72 per cent of that age group having the jab.

However, of the other main target groups, only 33 per cent of pregnant women, 41per cent of young children and just under half of those with medical conditions had the vaccine.

KCC public health consultant, Faiza Khan, said it is important that these groups have the vaccine because they are more susceptible to the effects of seasonal flu.

She added: “Flu can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse.

"In the worst cases, seasonal flu can result in a stay in hospital, and it can even be fatal. Younger girls and boys can get the vaccine as a nasal spray rather than a jab but having one can make a huge difference.”

Leading the campaign to encourage pregnant women to have the vaccine is Sevenoaks mum-to-be Helen Buttivant, who said: “If you balance the adverse effects of the jab with the potential impact on my baby if I get the flu, it’s a no-brainer.

"For my own health, as well as that of my baby, I want a smooth pregnancy and the benefits far outweigh any perceived risks. I’ve also got lots of young and elderly relatives so I would like to take out the risk of me passing it on.”

66-year-old Graham Gibbens, KCC cabinet member for adult social care and public health, will also be heading to his GP. He said: “We want to break down some of the misunderstandings and misconceptions about the vaccine so that people feel confident to come forward and get themselves the best defence against flu this winter.”

The authority has said there are many myths surrounding the flu including:

• You get the flu by having the vaccine
• You won't get the flu if you're healthy
• The flu vaccine isn't safe

For more information visit www.kent.gov.uk/Health