'It's important for everyone eligible to have the flu jab'

Vaccination call as hospitals under pressure

- Dave Knapper

FAMILIES have been urged to take up the offer of a flu jab - as hospitals come under ‘severe pressure’

Critical incidents had been declared at both the Royal Stoke University Hospital and Stafford’s County Hospital this week due to ‘extremely high demand’ on the facilities.

Now leaders at Staffordshire County Council are urging people to get their flu vaccination ahead of the Christmas break.

Officials say a jab can reduce the severity of symptoms - and in turn, keep residents out of hospital.

As of Tuesday, the Royal Stoke had 73 inpatients with flu - including two in critical care.