A MAJOR campaign to combat flu has been launched in North Yorkshire.

The county's four NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) - Selby and York PCT, Hambleton and Richmondshire PCT, Craven and Harrogate and Rural District PCT and Scarborough Whitby Ryedale PCT - are joining forces to promote this year's flu immunisation campaign.

People over the age of 65 who live in North Yorkshire are being urged to get their free flu jab as part of a nationwide campaign, entitled Get The Right Treatment, aimed at protecting their health this winter.

Younger people in "at risk" categories are also being asked to consider immunisation.

Last year, across the Selby and York PCT area, 75 per cent of people over 65 years of age were vaccinated against flu and doctors in the district are keen for this figure to increase further, to ensure as many elderly people as possible are protected.

Dr Robert Markham, chairman of the PCT's professional executive committee, said: "Influenza, or flu, is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus.

"Most younger healthy people catch a dose of flu once in a while. However, for some older people and others who have health problems which put them at higher risk, flu can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, which require treatment in hospital.

"It is important that the effect of flu across North Yorkshire is minimised this winter. The immunisation of people over 65 years of age and younger people in 'at risk' groups is an effective preventive measure and by working together we hope to raise awareness and increase the number of people taking up the vaccination."

Younger people considered at risk include those with a chronic heart or chest complaint, including some people with asthma, those with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment.

If anyone is in doubt about whether they need protection they are advised to speak to NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or talk to their local pharmacist. GP practices can also give advice and have a helpful leaflet about flu immunisation.

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, October 08, 2003