Thousands of people across Bradford and Airedale are being urged to protect themselves and others against flu this winter.

Last year’s winter flu outbreak resulted in more than 600 deaths in the UK and thousands more people died with flu as a contributory factor.

More people died from flu and pneumonia than those who died with breast cancer or prostate cancer in 2009.

More than 50,000 people across the district are now being invited to contact their local GP practice to make an appointment for the flu jab over the next few months.

A free flu jab is offered each year to everyone aged over 65 and to younger people who are more vulnerable to viruses like flu, such as pregnant women and people with long-term medical conditions which can be anything from diabetes to asthma, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

Dr Shirley Brierley, public health consultant for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “Flu is different to getting a cold and the effects of seasonal flu are often underestimated.

“Some people are more at risk from flu and need the vaccine because they are not able to fight off flu as easily as others. It can often result in more serious complications which require hospital treatment and the figures from last winter show that sometimes there can be devastating consequences.

“People can protect themselves by having the vaccine, which is being provided free at GP surgeries across Bradford and Airedale. In addition, flu jabs will be given to children at high risk in special schools.

“Last year, more than 52,000 people aged over 65 and a further 30,000 people from the risk groups were immunised. This year we hope more of those at risk will get the free jab to protect themselves and their loved ones over the winter months.

“Flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus. It changes every year, as does the vaccine to fight it, so it is important that those at risk protect themselves every year.”

People are also encouraged to use good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of germs. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible with soap and water or an alcohol hand gel.

Information leaflets designed to bust flu myths and help educate people on the importance of getting the jab will be available at GP surgeries and more information can be found at bradford. nhs.uk or nhs.uk/conditions/flu-jab