Flu vaccination is estimated to have prevented more than 800 flu-related hospital admissions in Wales last winter, according to Public Health Wales.

The organisation says that without the vaccination programme, around 50 per cent more people could have needed hospital treatment.

With winter approaching, people across North Wales who are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine are being urged to take up the offer, particularly those most at risk of serious complications.

Flu can be particularly serious for people with conditions including asthma, diabetes, COPD and heart disease. Public Health Wales says adults with chronic liver disease are more than 40 times more likely to experience serious outcomes from flu, while people with weakened immune systems face a risk more than 45 times higher than the general population.

More than one million people across Wales received a flu vaccine last year, including more than 200,000 people living with long-term health conditions.

More than 10,000 pregnant women were also vaccinated, helping to protect both mothers and their babies.

The free NHS flu vaccine is available to people aged 65 and over, those aged from six months to 64 with a long-term health condition, health and social care workers, pregnant women and care home residents.

Children aged two and three on August 31st 2026, along with all primary and secondary school pupils from Reception to Year 11, are also eligible.

Public Health Wales says vaccination reduces the risk of catching flu, can make illness less severe and reduces the chance of passing the virus on to others.

Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said flu can put additional pressure on hospitals and health services during the winter.

He is urging eligible people to get vaccinated, pointing out that protection fades over time, making annual vaccination important.

People may also be eligible for other winter vaccinations, including those against COVID-19 and RSV.

Public Health Wales says flu arrived early last winter and remained in circulation for several months, increasing pressure on health and care services.

People are also being reminded that simple measures such as regular hand washing and staying home when unwell can help reduce the spread of winter infections.

For information about eligibility and how to arrange a flu vaccination, people can visit the Public Health Wales website.