PREGNANT women, young children and those with chronic health conditions are being urged to get the flu vaccine and protect themselves this winter. The vaccination programmes started on September 1, when flu vaccines became available for young children (aged 2 and 3), pregnant women, school-aged children. Both NHS Birmingham and Solihull and NHS Black Country are working closely with GPs, community pharmacies, schools, local authorities, and voluntary organisations to make vaccinations as accessible as possible. Where possible, people will be offered both vaccines at the same time for convenience and maximum protection ahead of winter. Helen Kelly, chief nurse for NHS Birmingham and Solihull, said: “Vaccines are still the best protection against flu, Covid-19 and other seasonal illnesses.