 Vulnerable patients are urged to take up the 'flu vaccination |
Doctors in three North Yorkshire towns say fewer people are having flu vaccination jabs this year. The medics in Northallerton, Richmond and Thirsk believe people are becoming complacent about the virus because there has not been a significant outbreak for a number of years.
The illness affects people of all ages, but those aged 65 and over have a greater chance of dying from the virus.
In 2002 the uptake of the flu jab in Hambleton and Richmondshire was among the highest in the country, but this year far fewer people have opted to take advantage of the service.
Now doctors in the area are seeing symptoms of the virus appearing earlier than in previous years.
The number of calls to the NHS Direct hotline asking for information and guidance about colds and flu has increased.
Vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, are advised to visit their GP's surgery to be given the injection.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
