THOUSANDS of people die every year from flu, yet many of those most at risk don't get vaccinated.

How would you encourage at-risk groups to get the flu jab?

Alan McGinley, Diabetes UK There are nearly 2000 children and young people in Scotland living with diabetes.

Every day (since diagnosis) they inject themselves with insulin, usually several times a day. Once a year, they get their flu jab. Just ONE jab. So for everyone else who is at-risk and is offered the opportunity of a flu jab - people with asthma, older people, nurses and doctors - here's something to consider. The flu jab is ONLY one jab.

Compared to the choices facing young people with diabetes, it's a doddle.

Dr Chris Steele, GP and resident doctor on ITV's This Morning You have to get the message to the public.

It's free and it's a life-saver. You have to raise awareness because flu is a killer. Each winter, flu kills 4000 people in the UK on average. In the 1989-90 epidemic, 30,000 people died in the UK in two months from flu. Certain people are more at risk and it's all about making people aware of that and that these vaccinations are free if you are in an at-risk group. I'd also like to stress that children can die from flu. Last year only half the kids at risk got flu jabs.

Jennifer Caira, 16 I would fine the younger relatives of the over 65s who don't get the jab. I think this would be helpful, as it would push the older generation into getting the jab. Although this seems harsh, in my opinion, it would be the most effective technique as it would provide a stimulus for those unwilling to get the jab.

Cameron Linnell, 13 I would put up posters everywhere that tell people it is free to get one and that it doesn't take very long. If they catch the flu, having refused to get the jab, then they should have to stay in their home so that they don't endanger the public's health. If they are caught outside their house, then they should be fined. Then if they do it again, they should be put in quarantine, because they cannot be trusted.

Emilie Harley, 17 I would provide an inoculation roadshow, which would primarily target schools. It could educate young children on the benefits of the jab, and give out leaflets, which kids could show their parents. When it comes to convincing the older generation, you can't really push them into it. I would just explain that the jab was for their benefit, and that it takes no time at all.

Naomi Howarth, 17 I would fine those who didn't get the jab in the groups that need it most. I think they need more of an ultimatum. I would fine them around pounds-100. You have to use shock tactics to make them realise they have to get the jab.