THE NHS is urging pregnant women in the Wellington area to protect themselves and their unborn child by having the flu vaccination this winter.

Pregnant women have a seven times greater risk of dying from flu-related illness than non-pregnant women.

But only 30 per cent of eligible women in the South-West have so far received the vaccination this season.

Dr Julie Yates, NHS England South West Consultant in Public Health, said: “I would urge all pregnant women to have the free vaccination as soon as possible via their GP, pharmacy or local maternity service.”