ONLY 51 per cent of parents with children suffering from serious illnesses in Watford and Three Rivers protected them with free flu vaccinations last year figures show.

This year, GPs within Watford and Three Rivers Primary Care Trust (PCT) are targeting this group to try to encourage them to claim the jabs when they become available on Monday, October 3.

Anybody who is over 65 or who has asthma, diabetes, or a serious heart, chest or kidney condition can get vaccinated for free.

Flu coordinator for the PCT, Astrid Bannister, said: "Anyone can get flu but it can be more serious for people of any age with a serious medical condition and the over 65s.

"With between 3,000-4,000 deaths each year attributable to the complications of flu, the message is clear, don't wait until there's an epidemic, contact your local GP or practice nurse now and get your flu jab before the winter arrives."

Residents in long-stay residential or nursing homes and carers for elderly people can also get free vaccinations.

A spokesman for the trust said: "While flu is an unpleasant experience for anybody, for some it can lead to more serious illnesses, including bronchitis or pneumonia, and could result in hospitalisation or even death.

"Just five minutes of prevention can save a week or two of flu misery and lost time from family, friends and work."

Flu is a disease of the lungs and upper airways caused by viral infection.

Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, aching muscles often accompanied by a cough and sore throat, loss of appetite and nausea.