PREGNANT women in York and North and East Yorkshire are being urged to have their free flu jab.

Anyone who falls into the “at risk” group, including mums-to-be, is entitled to a free vaccination at their doctors’ surgery.

Paul Johnstone, regional director for public health for NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “We want to encourage everyone who is at risk of seasonal flu to get their flu jab – it’s free and is effective against the latest flu strains including swine flu.

I would particularly urge mums-to-be to make sure they have their flu jab to protect themselves and their unborn babies as swine flu can lead to serious complications in pregnant women.

National guidance states the vaccine is safe throughout pregnancy, and can protect newborn babies up to about four to six months from birth.”