A TOP doctor has warned that people are risking their health by not taking up the offer of a free flu vaccination.

Dr Kieran Murphy, medical director for NHS England Lancashire and South Cumbria, has called on more adults who are entitled for the flu vaccine to get it this year.

He said those with conditions such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes are most at risk and need a flu vaccination.

Dr Murphy said: “If you have a long-term condition, you really are taking a major risk if you don’t have a flu jab.

“It’s free for you because the NHS recognises how important it is for you.

“Flu on top of health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease can make you more susceptible to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis or encephalitis.”

Last winter 3,344,593 people aged under 65 who have a long term condition were vaccinated – but that represented only 48.9 per cent of the people entitled to have it.

Across the country, 9,996 people ended up in hospital as a result of complications due to flu.

An average of 8,000 deaths occur annually due to flu related complications.