Olympic swimmer Katy Sexton is to get a winter flu jab and is encouraging other young people to do so too.
The 26-year-old has had asthma since she was 12 years old and is one of 12.5m people in England who are at a greater risk of complications from seasonal flu.
The drive comes as the government's director of immunisation, Professor David Salisbury, said less than half of those under the age of 65 were actually getting vaccinated.
He also warned that the UK has had eight years of mild flu seasons and that couldn't continue forever.
Katy, the former world backstroke champion from Portsmouth, will be at the Sunnyside Medical Centre in Fratton Way, Portsmouth, next Wednesday to encourage other young people with long-term health conditions that put them at greater risk from the flu to get the free jab from the NHS.
She said: 'I'm lucky I've never had flu because I always kept up with my vitamin supplements and my coach always said make sure I get my flu jab so my training wouldn't be compromised.
'People sometimes think it's only older people who need the flu jab. But youngsters need it too, especially ones with asthma.'
As well as people with asthma and lung conditions, those with heart, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, or who have had a stroke are all encouraged to get a free jab.
The over-65s, carers and professionals such as nurses or care workers who work with vulnerable people, are all also offered jabs.
Carolyn Watts, health development manager at the centre, will also be getting a jab.
She said: 'The flu jab is quick and easy and it helps me protect those I work with.
'The local NHS and Portsmouth City Council are keen to protect patients and clients by vaccinating staff.'
In 2006 there were 7,000 over-65s in Portsmouth not taking their free jab, more than 6,000 in Havant, 2,000 in East Hampshire and 8,000 in