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One of Wales’ most senior doctors is urging people to accept the offer of a free flu jab this winter, amid concerns of a low take-up.

So far this winter, less than 30% of people aged 16 to 64, who are eligible for a free flu jab, have taken up the offer.

Meanwhile, 62% of eligible people aged 65 and older have been vaccinated.

Dr Keith Reid, the deputy chief medical officer for Wales, warned: “The flu is not just a bad cold for people with chronic health conditions. Without vaccination, it could mean serious illness and an emergency admission to hospital.

“We know many young people with conditions like asthma or diabetes haven’t got this vital protection yet.

“The peak virus season is close. Now is the time to come forward for your flu and Covid-19 jabs if you’re eligible.”

Dr Reid continued: “It’s free, its safe and it’s the best way to shield yourself from serious complications. It’s now more convenient as you can get both vaccinations at the same time.”

Health and social care workers have also been urged to take up the offer of a flu vaccine.

While flu circulation dropped during the Covid-19 pandemic, mainly due to lockdown and social distancing measures, it has since picked up again.

Professor Catherine Moore, director of the Wales National Influenza Centre, said: “Since the pandemic we’ve seen influenza return to circulation, with more people being admitted to hospital with complications, some which could have been prevented by vaccination.

“Every winter we see increased hospitalisation and intensive care treatment of people with neurological, chronic respiratory, liver and cardiac conditions, due to complications of the flu or because it has worsened a previously known illness. Sadly, a proportion of these people will die as a result.

“For diabetic people, flu can lead to a reduction in blood glucose levels and is linked to a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – a medical emergency.”

Prof Moore continued: “There’s also significant concern if mothers contract the flu in late pregnancy, as there’s a higher risk of pneumonia, and has been linked to premature births. Vaccination goes beyond protecting the new mother but shields the baby in the first few months of life.”