A professional boxer launched a flu vaccination campaign yesterday.

Ollie Pinnock, from Leigh, Essex, got a jab himself at Queen's Hospital in Romford to encourage staff at both the hospital and King George in Goodmayes to receive the vaccination along with people entitled to a free one.

The flu vaccination is not compulsory across the NHS, but staff at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University NHS Trust (BHRUT), currently in special measures, are being asked to have the jab to protect their patients.

Around 600 people die from complications of flu every year, and the campaign is also urging members of the public to get their jab.

Free vaccinations are on offer to pregnant women, anyone over 65, or anyone with asthma, diabetes and heart or chest problems. 

Stephen Burgess, medical director, said: "We are working hard to increase the uptake of the flu vaccination in our hospitals.

"This is good news for our patients, who can be sure that our staff are going the extra mile to keep themselves protected and their patients safe this winter.

"Last year was a mild flu season, but a bigger outbreak is always possible.

"We want our staff to be protected so that they can’t carry the virus or pass it to each other or onto our vulnerable patients.

“Vaccinations really can save the lives of our patients, our staff and their families."