Lung experts 'deeply concerned' by low flu jab uptake in England

Barely two in five people in at-risk groups have been vaccinated as NHS hospitals buckle under strain caused by cold snap

Fewer than half those eligible for a free winter flu jab have had one, despite high-profile warnings that this winter could bring the biggest flu outbreak in years, NHS figures reveal.

The low uptake, which will alarm NHS bosses, come as many hospitals showed clear signs of starting to buckle under the extra demand for care caused by the cold snap that began last week.