Noel Brown, Bucks County Council cabinet member for community engagement and public health, writes exclusively for Bucks Free Press readers:

It’s already starting to get a bit colder and one of the best things we can all do is start to think about how we can stay fit and healthy during the winter months. 

An absolute priority is to get a flu vaccine and many Bucks residents will be eligible for a free vaccine on the NHS.

I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to protect yourself and your family from this unpleasant illness.

Last winter saw a particularly severe flu season and more than 200 people were admitted to intensive care in the South East alone last year because of the flu virus. 

But getting vaccinated is a simple, easy step to really protect ourselves and this year the vaccines available give us even more defence against the flu.

There’s an enhanced vaccine for the over 65s that gives an extra boost to the immune system and the wider population will get a vaccine that protects against four strains of the virus. 

Everyone aged 65 and over can get a free flu jab on the NHS – likewise pregnant women and people under 65 with certain underlying health conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart conditions.

All children aged 2-3 are also eligible for a free vaccine so please contact your GP to arrange their free vaccine.  

Primary school children from Reception – Year 5 are also being offered the flu vaccine through their school. Children are given the vaccine as a nasal spray.    

I know that some people worry about the flu jab and whether it will make them feel poorly so I really want to lay some of those concerns to rest. 

You cannot get the flu from the vaccine as it is not a ‘live virus’ that is given.

It works by making the body’s immune system produce a response to protect it from the flu virus.

Some people may have a mild reaction when their immune system starts working as they build up the resistance after having the vaccine but this simply shows it’s working.

Of course, good hand and respiratory hygiene is important to help prevent getting flu but having the vaccine is the best way to protect you and your family. So contact your GP to find out more.