WORKING age people with conditions such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes have been urged to have a free flu vaccination.
Dr Kieran Murphy, medical director for NHS England Lancashire and South Cumbria, said adults with such conditions who did not have the jab were not only putting themselves at risk but were potentially putting an extra burden on the NHS.
Across the country, 9,996 people ended up in hospital as a result of complications due to flu.
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An average of 8,000 deaths occur annually due to flu related complications. Of these deaths, it is estimated that around 2,500 are people with a heart disease and 3,500 people with a respiratory disease.
Dr Murphey said: "We know it can be difficult to take time off work to go for a flu jab, but most GPs run vaccination sessions at the weekend and you can also get your free flu jab from local pharmacies."
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