This is Steven from Dudley – listen to him and it could save your life.

And this isn’t about Covid.

Steven has a special message for people in the Black Country who have a learning disability.

They are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill by developing lung and breathing complications if they catch flu.

So they need to get the flu jab – its free – to safeguard themselves.

They just need to make sure they are on their GP’s learning disability register. The important annual health check can be done at the same time as the jab.

Steven, who has a disability himself, says: “You do what you can to stay healthy. It is really important to keep yourself as healthy as you can.”

Carers are also entitled to a free vaccination.

Susan Brady, Head of Nursing, Learning Disabilities, at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s a terribly sad fact that people with a learning disability die an average of 20 years earlier than other people, and respiratory conditions are a leading cause.

“This is why it’s so important for people who have a learning disability, and their carers, to protect themselves against flu.”