Health bosses are planning to give an extra 8,500 flu jabs this autumn in a bid to keep the county bug-free.

NHS Oxfordshire is gearing up for flu season, which officially started on Saturday, urging at-risk people to get vaccinated. Last year GPs across the county gave 108,440 seasonal flu vaccines to eligible patients and this year they expect the number to rise to at least 116,902.

Margaret Savage, who has a heart condition and uses an inhaler, has had the flu jab for the past eight years.

The 61-year-old, of Oriel Way, Bicester, urged all eligible people to get the jab even if they felt fit and healthy.

She said: “If you do not get called and you normally have it, make inquiries. If you are not happy go to the primary care trust. I think it is very important to have the flu vaccination because you cannot fight off infections when you are older like you can when you are 25.

“Prevention is better than cure. Me and my husband Anthony try to keep healthy and active, but I feel the jab is something that helps us through the winter.”

Mrs Savage also pointed out if she, and others like her, did not have the jab it would cost the NHS more in doctors’ appointments, hospital treatment and medication to treat problems such as chest infections. NHS Oxfordshire said anyone aged 65 and over or who has an underlying health condition is eligible for a free flu vaccination.

A spokesman said: “Vaccination against seasonal flu is the best way to protect yourself if you are one of the many people who are at most risk of serious illness or death from developing the illness.

“If you could see flu germs, you would see how quickly and how far they spread. Cold and flu germs can live on some surfaces for hours.

“To protect yourself and others this winter, always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.

“Bin the tissue, and to kill the germs, wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel.

“This is the best way to help slow the spread of flu.”

Those eligible for flu jab are... Aged 65 and over Pregnant women Carers (who are not paid health and social care staff) Those with heart problems Those with chest complaint or breathing difficulties Kidney disease sufferers Those with lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment) Those with liver disease Anyone who has had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) Diabetics Those with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy Those with spleen problems, such as sickle cell disease, or who have had their spleen removed.