Residents in West London are being urged to stay protected this winter by checking their eligibility for a flu jab.

Most healthy people can recover from a bout of flu within a week or so, although it can lead to serious medical complications for at-risk groups.

Those who are deemed at risk – and offered the jab free of charge – include those who are either over 65, pregnant, have a serious medical condition, live in a long-stay residential care home, are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, or are a frontline health or social worker. Others can pay for the jab privately. In 2010, only half of those aged under 65 in clinical risk groups were vaccinated against flu.

GP practices offering the jab include the Canberra Centre for Health, in South Africa Road, White City, and The Beacon Medical Centre, in Lancaster Road, Ladbroke Grove.

Dr Jeremy Rose, clinical director of primary care company The Practice, said: “It is down to us all at a local level to educate the high-risk categories to protect themselves.”

To register for a free vaccination, contact your GP or attend a flu clinic. For more information on flu and flu jabs visit www.nhs.uk/flu.