A third of the people eligible for free flu vaccines in Dorset did not take them up last winter, figures show.

England’s top doctors are urging people to protect themselves and their families from flu amid warnings that new cases may peak over the busy festive period.

NHS England data shows that 174,454 people were eligible for free flu vaccines in Dorset last winter – but only 66% of them had one.

The low rate meant 58,540 vulnerable people were left unprotected in the area through the key winter months.

While the flu virus can be unpleasant for anyone, if sufferers are otherwise healthy it usually clears up without treatment within a week.

However, for certain groups of people, such as the elderly, the very young, pregnant women and people with other health conditions, it can be serious and even cause death.

The NHS offers free flu vaccines to all these groups due to their increased vulnerability.

The figures show that toddlers were much less likely to have had the jab than their older neighbours in Dorset, with parents taking only 59% of two year olds and 57% of children aged three for the vaccinations.

The uptake rate among Dorset's senior residents was better – but at 73%, around 32,000 over 65s still went without.

Just 51% of pregnant women received the vaccine, and 50% of under 65s with health conditions which put them at heightened risk.

As flu levels ramp up this year, Public Health England introduced its Catch It, Bin It, Kill It campaign, to help reduce the spread of the virus.

It says hundreds of thousands could see their holiday plans turned to misery if flu levels rise as expected in late December and early January.

Professor Stephen Powis, the NHS's national medical director, said: “Whether it’s missing out on a football match match or a New Year’s party, nobody wants to be laid low by flu while the festivities are in full swing.

“It’s good to see that more people over the age of 65 have already got their jab. For older people and those with underlying health conditions, getting flu is particularly bad news because it can lead to really serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis, which can mean a lengthy stay in hospital.

“And we know that children are ‘super spreaders’ of flu, particularly around the holiday season when they’re more likely to see elderly relatives.

“So our message is simple: the flu season is here, get your jab now. It might be the difference between a new year to remember, and one to forget.”