Residents eligible for a free flu jab are being urged to get vaccinated before the festive season, as flu cases rise sharply across the UK.

England is facing an early and significant flu wave, with hospital admissions averaging 1,717 patients per day in late November.

That’s over 50% higher than last year.

Surrey’s Interim Director of Public Health, Rachel Wigglesworth, says getting the vaccine now protects people and eases pressure on the NHS.

Residents can access flu jabs through GP practices and pharmacies.