FLU vaccines are available again in York after supplies recently ran short amid a serious outbreak.

This week, The Press reported how many York pharmacists had run out of the vaccine, as new figures indicated the city had the highest rate of influenza in England. York Hospital also saw one ward closed due to infection.

On Wednesday, health bosses encouraged residents to get vaccinated against flu, and said while some providers were running low on vaccine, "many pharmacies and GP practices do have stocks available".

People who are particularly at risk of infection, including those aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with a respiratory conditions who have not been vaccinated, can still go to their GP to get the jab.

Dr Phil Kirby, Screening and Immunisation Lead, NHS England, said flu can be extremely nasty and in some cases can lead to a hospital stay, getting vaccinated gives you the best chance of staying flu free.

He said: "We would encourage anyone in the at risk groups and indeed anyone who feels they will benefit from being vaccinated to get the jab.

"There are a few places that are running low on the vaccine in York, however, there are places that do have stocks available for example Tesco – Askham Bar, Boots – Coney St and the Monk bar pharmacy. Those who have been invited by their GP to get vaccinated can still make an appointment to get the jab with their doctor. Being vaccinated does not just protect you, being vaccinated also helps to prevent the virus from spreading, protecting the whole community."

Yesterday, new statistics suggested about 41 per cent of people in the north east would still go to work if they were ill, and more than half were concerned that NHS treatment would not be available to them.

A survey carried out by hand dryer company Sterillo suggested 51 per cent of people in the region were worried that if they became ill, treatment from the NHS would not be available to them, and almost three quarters of those surveyed (73 per cent), did not know that if someone coughs or sneezes, the highly-contagious flu virus would remain on a surface for 24 hours.

To find out more about the dangers of flu, how to stay healthy, and who is most at risk from the infection, go to nhs.uk