BY CAROLINE WILSON

ALMOST 60% of people who are eligible for the flu in Glasgow have not been immunised, figures show.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has renewed a plea to people with pre-existing health conditions to get vaccinated as flu rates quadruple since the start of the year.

The flu can be extremely serious for patients suffering from health problems including diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease or chronic lung conditions.

Pregnant women should also be vaccinated.

The latest data shows that 57% of people in Greater Glasgow with health issues have not received the jab.

James Cant, British Heart Foundation Scotland said: “Sadly, many people will be struggling with flu this winter and for people with health conditions such as heart disease, it can prove to be extremely serious.

"We’ve urging those eligible to get the free flu vaccine as soon as possible – as a defence to both yourself and others.”

Linda De Caestecker, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Director of Public Health, said: “Anyone with a health condition, people aged 65 years or over and woman who are pregnant are urged to get the free flu vaccine as soon as possible if they have not already done so.

"The vaccine offers the best defence against the most common types of flu circulating at the moment. Contact your GP surgery today to make an appointment.”