Michael Fabricant says: "I encourage the elderly, all pregnant mothers, those with respiratory and cardiac disorders, and especially NHS staff to get their flu jabs this winter. We are overdue for a pandemic and while so far none has been predicted for this winter, it’s still better to be safe than sorry.

"And I am alarmed that take up rates last year in South Staffordshire was less than the national average. 70.5% of people over 65 years and 47.5% in the ‘at risk’ groups were vaccinated against flu in the South Staffordshire primary care trust area, compared with the national averages of 72.8% for the over 65s and 50.4% for those ‘at risk’."

Earlier this week, MPs and Peers were invited to attend a flu vaccine clinic, to encourage their constituents to get this season’s flu vaccine in line with Government recommendations.

Dr George Kassianos, a GP and Fellow and Immunisation Lead of the Royal College of GPs, said "Despite the relatively mild flu season last year, people should remember that flu remains a serious threat, particularly for those aged over 65 and those of any age with medical conditions that put them at increased risk from influenza infection and its complications, for whom it can be a pretty nasty and debilitating illness. It’s not too late, and I would encourage everyone at risk to get their annual flu jab."

The Department of Health provides free seasonal flu vaccinations for at risk groups, which include those aged 65 or over; people with chronic respiratory disease (including asthma), heart, renal, liver or neurological disease; diabetes; low immune systems; as well as people living in long-stay facilities such as nursing and residential homes, and carers of elderly or disabled people.

Michael receiving his flu jab and trying to look calm as the needle goes in while his clenched right fist reveals all.