MORE than 60,000 vulnerable people are at risk of contracting flu this winter in Glasgow because of a poor uptake of flu vaccinations.

Health chiefs are worried that only just over half of those eligible have taken up the offer to be protected against the virus.

Yesterday, Dr Jim McMenamin, public health consultant with Greater Glasgow Health Board, said this left around 66,000 patients at risk from flu in the city.

He said: "Luckily, we had a couple of relatively quiet winters but we know that flu outbreaks come in cycles.

"We don't know exactly what influences the levels of flu but we know one thing - our luck won't hold forever.

"We have to get the message across that having the vaccine not only protects yourself but also reduces the chances of passing on the flu to your family or people close to you.

"People with existing conditions can suffer complications if they have the flu as well and that can lead to a hospital stay they could have avoided."

NHS boards have been set a target of immunising 70 per cent of those eligible for the jabs.

Across Scotland 54.4 per cent of those eligible for the jabs had taken them in October - compared to 49.2 per cent last year.

Those at risk from flu include elderly people, anyone with a heart or chronic chest complaint and people with diabetes.

Even those who vaccinated last year will not be protected against new strains of the disease and should consult their doctor.

About 700 people died three years ago during a major flu outbreak in Scotland which crippled the NHS.