Top North East doctor Dr Catherine Monaghan (Image: Teesside University )

Health bosses are urging people with learning disabilities or their carers to make sure they get a free flu jab - as new statistics show "almost a quarter" of avoidable deaths for those with learning disabilities come due to respiratory illnesses.

North East doctors have highlighted the issue amid a shortfall when it comes to vaccine take-up among this group - with just 35% of people having so far had their free vaccine. With flu cases rising, medics fear this could leave people at serious risk.

Dr Catherine Monaghan, respiratory consultant and medical director at the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Flu is not just a bad cold. It can make people very unwell and can lead

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