A HEALTH chief is setting an example she hopes others will follow by having the flu jab.

Pam Court, chief executive of NHS South West Essex, took the step to encourage others to get the annual flu vaccine.

The jab is available to the over-65s and anyone at risk of serious illness, including heart and lung problems.

Mrs Court received the jab from immunisation and maternal health manager, Kathy Abbott, at the health trust headquarters in Basildon.

She said: “I’m not in a high-risk category, but if you’ve had the flu you’ll know just how debilitating it can be. It’s certainly not just a heavy cold.

“There are a lot of myths about the flu jab, which is why I’m choosing to have it.

“There is a misconception that having the jab can itself cause flu, but this is impossible because it doesn’t contain a live virus.”