WITH his busiest day of the year just over a week away, Santa can't afford to take any chances when it comes to being ill.

And as he's over 65 - well over actually, as he's reported to be 1,748 years old! - he qualified for a free NHS flu jab, with a nurse popping into his grotto to administer the vaccination.

Santa said: "I won't get sleighed by flu and neither should you!

“With all of the world’s children relying on me, I couldn’t take the risk of getting flu at my busiest time of year. I’ve got grotto duties, supervising the elves and then I’ve got a fair bit to do on Christmas Eve!

“There’s no way I was going to risk getting flu and letting everyone down, so I invited Irene Shepherd, Practice Nurse at Hopwood House, Flu Lead and Governing Body Nurse for NHS Oldham CCG to sort my jab out.”

“I was a touch apprehensive but I barely felt a thing and I was back making wishes come true within a few minutes. I feel safe in the knowledge that I won’t be coming down with a nasty flu in the next couple of weeks.”

The flu jab is now available from pharmacies or GP surgeries.

People with long-term health conditions, with a BMI of 40-pus and pregnant women are also eligible. Children up to school year five can also have their vaccination free with a nasal spray at a GP surgery or through school.

Irene said: “Getting flu is ‘snow’ joke, especially at this time of year when people are busy and have plans with the family - it’s so much worse than a bad cold. Getting it would absolutely ruin anyone’s Christmas and for certain people catching it can be really, really serious.

“So when the big man said he wanted me to come to the Spindles and get his flu vaccination done I was more than happy to oblige. He’s a very important chap to children everywhere and people all over Oldham rely on him. We were glad to have done our bit to ensure everyone has a Christmas cracker.”

For more information about the flu jab go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine.