ALMOST half East Lancashire's pensioners are still putting their health at risk by not taking up the life saving flu jab.

Despite a campaign by East Lancashire Health Authority, 47 per cent of people aged 65 and over have not been immunised against the virus.

Dr Roberta Marshall, Health Authority consultant, said: "Although there were some problems caused by delayed deliveries of some of the flu vaccine during October, it is not coming through to GPs. Anyone who has missed out and still wants a flu vaccine can get one."

More people have taken up the vaccine than in previous years when only about 45 per cent of elderly people were immunised.

In Burnley and the Ribble Valley, 59 per cent of pensioners have gritted their teeth for the jab, while Pendle has a take up rate of 56 per cent and 55 per cent of Rossendale pensioners have also had the vaccine.

Next in line is Blackburn with Darwen, with a 51 per cent rate, and Hyndburn is likely to be the unhealthiest place to be this winter as only 41 per cent of pensioners have had the jab.

The Health Authority wants 60 per cent of the older population -- about 48,000 people -- to be immunised.

Everyone with chronic health problems such as heart disease is also entitled to the jab. Dr Marshall said: "Every year, influenza causes illness and deaths especially in older people, but the vaccine works well in protecting against flu and complications.

"Even if you are unlucky enough to catch flu after being immunised it is likely to be a much milder attack.

"You can't catch flu from having the vaccine because it is made from killed virus."