West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged local people to have a flu jab to try and help take the pressure off the NHS this winter. More than 22 million people already qualify for free flu jabs and the MP urged everyone to consider having the vaccination to help combat serious illness that can strike as the colder weather arrives. The flu vaccination is just one way that the NHS is preparing for winter and a number of extra steps are being taken to reduce pressure at Accident and Emergency Departments during the winter. Harriett commented: “The annual campaign to encourage more people to have flu jabs is underway and I hope that people who qualify for a free injection have already been contacted by their GP. “It’s one simple step which could go a long way to preventing serious illness and also helping to take the pressure off our NHS during the winter. “It is also important to remember that as the winter period approaches, people who need treatment make more use of their GP, out of hours GP services or Minor Injuries Units rather than just turning up at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. “You can get expert advice by ringing 111 but it is important to remember that you should only go to hospital if you need urgent, emergency care.”