UP TO 5,000 pensioners in Hartlepool are at risk because they have not yet received their flu jab.

Around three quarters of the town's 15,400 over-65s have been to their GP to be vaccinated against the illness.

However, thousands are still unprotected, and health officials at Hartlepool Primary Care Trust are urging them to come forward.

GP Dr Andy Downs said: "If you wait until flu is here before you get vaccinated, it's too late. The whole point of getting a flu jab is to have it before flu strikes so that you're protected, not only from flu itself but also from serious complications like pneumonia, that it can cause.

"Anyone over 65 is at risk if they've not had their jab, even if they're fit and healthy at the moment. Only two thirds of the people who should be vaccinated are protected and the rest need to come forward.

"Now is the time to get vaccinated and I would urge all those who are vulnerable to contact their GP as soon as possible.

"Flu vaccination takes ten days to work. You need to be vaccinated now to be protected for Christmas."

Pensioners are one of the groups most at risk from flu. Other vulnerable groups include people with chronic breathing problems, heart or kidney disease, diabetics, people in long-stay care homes and anyone on treatment that affects the immune system.