SUFFOLK MP and junior health minister Dr Dan Poulter has led by example and urged those at risk to take up the government’s offer of flu jabs.

The minister and Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP, who continues to work occasionally as a hospital doctor, joined other MPs to have jabs at the Palace of Westminister.

The Department of Health recommends free flu vaccinations for those aged 65 or over; and for people with certain chronic conditions such as respiratory disease (including asthma); heart, renal, liver or neurological disease; diabetes; low immune systems; as well as people living in long-stay facilities such as nursing and residential homes, and carers of elderly or disabled people.

Healthcare professionals are also encouraged to have the vaccination, as well as pregnant women.

Dr Poulter said: “The seasonal flu vaccination is important to help protect those people who are more susceptible to serious complications and illness from flu, such as those who are over 65.

“I would encourage all those in Suffolk who are over the age of 65 or are in one of the ‘at risk’ groups to visit their surgeries and get vaccinated this winter.”