First Minister Rhodri Morgan receives his flu jab to launch the campaign

People aged 65 and over, as well as those with conditions such as asthma and diabetes, are being urged to protect themselves against infection.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan wants others to follow his lead and have their flu injection early this year.

It is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's Keep Well This Winter campaign.

Mr Morgan, who turned 65 last week, had his injection at his local GP surgery in Dinas Powys in the Vale of Glamorgan.

'Preventable'

"Flu vaccination is an important safeguard against this dangerous disease, which can result in a person being admitted to hospital or even dying in the most severe cases among vulnerable people," he said.

"That's why the Welsh Assembly Government provides free flu jabs for people over 65, and for younger people at risk because of certain medical conditions."

Dr Richard Roberts, a consultant in communicable disease control in the National Public Health Service said the uptake for the jab had been increasing.

"It's getting better year by year, we had over 60% last year of the over-65s and we're hoping for more this year."

Dr Roberts could not pinpoint the cost for the vaccine but said : "It is not a very expensive vaccine and it's been around for years."

He said patients could get information from leaflets placed in GPs' surgeries and said: "Doctors also approach their elderly patients and those in the younger age groups who are at risk."

Dr Ruth Hall, chief medical officer for Wales, said: "Flu can make you very poorly indeed and lead to serious complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which may be fatal.

"Fortunately, flu is largely preventable through routine vaccination.

All those who are eligible should book in for their flu jab before the winter gets underway."