THOUSANDS of vulnerable people are putting their lives at risk by not having their flu jab, health chiefs fear.

Only about half of over- 65s in Bolton have had the vaccination to protect against strains of the potentially fatal infection so far this winter.

Bosses at NHS Bolton, the primary care trust in charge of health services, believe people are avoiding the jab because it now includes the swine flu vaccine.

The NHS Bolton board was this week told patients are mistakenly worried the vaccine for swine flu, which is included because it is now classed as a seasonal flu, is dangerous.

Members also heard that some people in the Muslim community are not being immunised because they wrongly think the vaccine includes pork.

The flu jab programme runs from October to January, with early indications showing a fall in uptake.

Figures show 55.1 per cent of over-65s, about 22,000 people, were immunised in October last year.

This has fallen to 52.3 per cent for the same month this year.

The drop has also been seen in those at risk aged under 65, including those with asthma, heart disease and diabetes.

Graham Munslow, NHS Bolton health protection specialist, said: “It is important to have the jab as seasonal flu, and particularly complications from it, can be potentially fatal.

It really could make the difference between life and death.

“This year’s seasonal flu vaccine includes the H1N1 strain as it is one of the strains of flu that will affect people over the coming months.

“H1N1 has been part of the seasonal flu vaccine in previous years and was included last year.

“I can assure people it is perfectly safe and shouldn’t make you feel unwell.”

Jan Hutchinson, director of public health, said: “There have been concerns from people that the vaccine is made from pork products. It is nothing whatever to do with pigs, there is no reason to worry.”

The at-risk groups also include pregnant women for the first time and health workers.

GPs have lists of the patients entitled to be immunised and invite them to book an appointment or attend a drop-in session. People can also contact their surgery to book in for a vaccination.