RESIDENTS in eligible groups are being urged to have a flu vaccination by a national campaign before it is too late.

The Beat Flu campaign aims to encourage people who need it most to get protection each year against flu, a potentially dangerous disease.

This includes everyone aged 65 and over, people with certain chronic long term health conditions and pregnant women.

The campaign is led by Public Health Wales and is active until December.

Carers, volunteers providing planned emergency first aid and Community First Responders are also entitled to the vaccine, which is delivered as a small injection in the arm.

Frontline health and social care workers should have the vaccine as part of their occupational health care, to protect themselves and those they care for.

The vaccine programme is extended this year for children; those between the ages of two and seven will be eligible.

The vaccine for children is a simple nasal spray with children aged two and three receiving it at their GP practice, while those in reception class and school years one, two and three will receiving at school.

Vaccination clinics are available across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, with Dr Sharon Hopkins, director of Public Health for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board urging all those who are eligible to have the jab while they can.

Dr Hopkins said: “Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is supporting this year’s Beat Flu Campaign and we strongly encourage anyone who is eligible for the vaccine to take advantage.

"The flu virus spreads easily and can be a serious illness. If you have any questions about getting vaccinated for free, speak to your GP, practice nurse or a participating pharmacy."

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that affects the lungs and airways.

Symptoms generally come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, headache, cough, body aches and fatigue.

The virus is spread via droplets which are sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Direct contact with contaminated hands or surfaces can also spread infection.

It can spread rapidly, especially in closed communities such as hospitals, residential homes and schools.

Find out more by visiting www.beatflu.org or by finding Beat Flu or Curwch Ffliw on Twitter and Facebook.