Free flu jabs for over 65s

Those deemed 'at risk' - who will qualify for the free jab - include people over the age of 65, and sufferers of asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Westminster PCT Chief Executive Michael Scott encouraged those at risk of the dangers of the flu to ensure they are protected this winter:

He said: "Flu can be very dangerous for those suffering from serious medical conditions and it is vital as many people as possible are vaccinated.

"It only takes one minute for the free jab and the protection lasts all year.

"First check with your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist if you are in an at risk group and if so arrange a vaccination as soon as possible.

"If you suffer from conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease flu can cause serious illness and in extreme cases can be life-threatening so please act now to make your winter flu free."

This year Westminster also want to reach carers who may not realise they are also entitled to the free flu jabs.

More than 16,682 of the 22,435 Westminster residents aged 65 and over had the free flu jab last year - the second best performance in London and beating the national target of 70%.

But only 7,017 people of the 15,213 aged under 65 in the at-risk groups, such as adults and children who suffer from asthma, heart disease and diabetes took advantage of the jab, leaving more than half vulnerable.

Flu vaccinations are needed every year as the viruses change.

Vaccinations will be available at over 25 pharmacies in Westminster this year as well as GP surgeries so there are many places you can visit at a time convenient to you.

Westminster pharmacies offering the flu jab are:

Boots the Chemists, 124 High Street, St Johns Wood 020 7722 1408
Boots the Chemists, 175 Edgware Road 020 7706 4257
Boots the Chemists, Unit 42b, Victoria Station 020 7834 0676
Browns Chemist 195 Shirland Road, North Paddington 020 7286 0377
Chel Pharmacy, 173 Great Portland Street, West End 020 7323 4713
Collins Chemist, 113-115 Church Street, Lisson Grove 020 7723 9600
Colonades Pharmacy, 30 Rochester Road, Bayswater 020 7727 5713
Courtenay Chemist, 3 St Johns Wood High Street, St John's Wood 020 7722 3814
Curie Chemists, 445 Edgware Road, Paddington 020 7262 4860
Devonshire Pharmacy, 215 Edgware Road, Paddington 020 7402 6134
Hogg & Son Pharmacy, 25 Kendal Street, Bayswater 020 7262 7169
Holmes Pharmacy, 6 Nugent Terrace, St John's Wood 020 7286 8822
John Bell & Croyden, 50-54 Wigmore Street, West End 020 7935 555
Meacher Higgins & Thomas, 105A Crawford Street, Marylebone 020 7723 2788
Nashi Pharmacy, 55 Westbourne Grove, Bayswater 020 7229 3559
Portmans Pharmacy , 93 Tachbrook Street, Pimlico 020 7834 2816
Prince Chemist, 486 Harrow Road, North Paddington 020 8969 89596
Remedy's Pharmacy, 1 Clifton Road, North Paddington 020 7286 7255
Sherlock Holmes Chemist, 82A Baker Street, Marylebone 020 7935 9667
Superdrug 49-50 Strand, 49-50 Strand, West End 020 7930 2210
Warwick Pharmacy, 34-36 Warwick Way, Pimlico 020 7834 4721