HEALTH experts are urging people to have their free flu jab to prevent unnecessary illness and death this winter.

Vaccination sessions are being arranged in GP surgeries throughout the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Nurses are also working with residential and nursing homes to ensure that as many people as possible are given the injection.

Experts say that people with chronic conditions, like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and weak immune systems, as well as those over 65, are particularly at risk and need to protect themselves by having the vaccination.

A national campaign launched today will use television, radio and press advertising, as well as information in GP surgeries, hospitals and pharmacies, to encourage people to be vaccinated.

It focuses on the difference between a bad cold and the flu virus and emphasises that flu is a serious illness linked to between 3,000 and 4,000 deaths deaths every year.

Stephen Singleton, medical director for the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority, said it only took a minute to receive the jab, which offers 12 months' protection.

He said: "Lots of people describe the usual winter coughs and colds as flu, but the real thing is an extremely unpleasant illness.

"People with flu are often unwell for several days and some develop serious complications, such as chest infections and need to go to hospital. High uptake of the vaccine significantly reduces hospital admissions."

He said the jab was the most effective protection.

Dr Toks Sangowawa, North Tees Primary Care Trust director of public health, said: "After a series of mild winters, it is easy to be complacent about the threat of flu but few people realise that in this country 3,000 to 4,000 deaths are attributable to the complications of flu each year."

He said people who had the jab last year should have another one, adding: "The influenza virus is always changing, so last year's vaccine won't protect you."

To find out more, talk to your GP or pharmacist or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.