TWO out of five ‘at risk’ people failed to take up their free flu vaccination across Bradford last year.

Despite warnings that adults and children with serious health problems or lowered immune systems are 11 times more likely to get complications if they get flu, only half of all under 65-year-olds across the district got their vaccination.

This winter public health officials are putting out a grim message that flu is much more than just a cold and can result in death.

People suffering from heart, lung, liver, lung kidney or lung disease, diabetes are all eligible for the free jabs as well as people aged 65 and over by March 2015, two to four-year-olds, people with a weakened immune system, anyone in long-term residential care, carers and health and social care staff who have direct contact with patients and clients.

Only 40 per cent of children in the qualifying age group were vaccinated last year and to counter that a pilot scheme is also being run in the city offering the vaccinations to children in the school year seven and eight, or 11 to 13-year-old, age bracket.

For most healthy people not in at risk groups, flu is a mild illness and generally they will recover in a few days after getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and using over-the-counter remedies such as paracetamol.

But for those with certain medical conditions, any complications could end up as fatal, warned Ralph Saunders, head of public health at Bradford Council.

"Flu isn’t just a cold; it can be very serious and can lead to serious complications that can be fatal for those in at-risk groups," he said.

"If you’ve received a letter telling you that you are entitled to the vaccination, it is because you need it to stay healthy over the winter.

"You wouldn’t fail to pick up a prescription if you were told to by your doctor, and this should be no different."

The vaccination only takes a couple of minutes and is relatively painless while some young people can be given it by nasal spray.

"It not only protects you but other people who might be at risk for the flu. There’s no advantage in putting it off until later in the year, ” Mr Saunders said.

Selected pharmacies in the district are also offering the flu vaccination free to at risk groups who are registered with a GP.

Anyone not at risk can also get the injection, although a charge will apply.