THE campaign to urge vulnerable people to get their free flu jabs is set to be launched in Blackburn and Darwen.

Health chiefs from the area's primary care trusts hope the elderly and people with chronic illnesses will get vaccinated well before the winter months when the risks of flu are greatest.

Everyone aged 65 and over and people who suffer from heart disease, a bad chest, diabetes or kidney disease, are being targeted in the campaign.

About 20,000 elderly people are eligible for free flu jabs, as well as 5,000 younger people at higher risk because of chronic disease.

Public Health Consultant, Dr Gifford Kerr, said: "No one has long lasting immunity to flu.

"Whether or not you have had flu, or the vaccine, in the past, there is a risk every winter that you might catch it because the virus changes a little bit each year.

"Fortunately the vaccine is updated every year, to make sure that it remains effective against the flu virus."

The flu jab campaign has been launched earlier this year because the Muslim festival of Ramadan is earlier than usual, running from October 26 to November 25.

Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust is approaching the mosques to encourage people to attend their GP for vaccination before Ramadan starts.

The campaign will be launched at Bangor Street Community Centre on Friday.

Local surgeries or health centre will operate clinics dedicated to flu vaccination during the autumn. Patients are advised to ask their doctor, practice nurse, district nurse or treatment room for details.