DOCTORS have issued a plea to people with diabetes and other long term conditions to make sure they have their flu jab this winter.

The Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Clinical Commissioning Group has made the appeal because, so far this winter, only 28.9 per cent of those most at risk of complications have been vaccinated.

People with diabetes are more vulnerable to complications from flu such as chest infections, dehydration or even kidney failure.

Flu can also make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Group chairman Dr Bhaskar Bora said: "It’s really important for people with diabetes and other long term conditions to have their flu-jab now the weather has turned cold.

"People sometimes think of flu as like a bad cold, but in fact, for some people it can be really serious."