Pensioners ignore swine flu vaccine (From York Press)

Pensioners ignore swine flu vaccine

8:10am Thursday 21st January 2010 in Swine flu

PENSIONERS in North Yorkshire are failing to take their chance to get protection against the spread of swine flu.

The latest uptake figures for the vaccine which is designed to combat the virus shows only around 15 per cent of over-65s in the region who are eligible to receive it have come forward for the jab.

The data obtained by NHS North Yorkshire and York also revealed 21 per cent of under-65s deemed to be in the most at-risk groups – such as pregnant women and those with chronic heart and liver disease – have been immunised. Dr Phil Kirby, NHS North Yorkshire and York’s associate director of public health, said: “Getting immunised against swine flu is still important despite recent reports it is declining.

“Flu pandemics can strike a population at any time of the year, so getting immunised means our local population will be better protected should another wave of swine flu hit us in the future.”

GPs are offering the vaccine to the most at-risk groups. Anybody eligible who has not been invited for immunisation should contact their doctor.