A RECORD number of people took up the flu jab over the winter.

Figures out this week show that 70.2 per cent of those aged 65 and over in Greater Manchester were vaccinated against the virus compared to 67.4 per cent last year.

Professor Martyn Regan, regional epidemiologist and the Health Protection Agency's deputy north west regional director, said: "It is a tribute to family doctors and their practice staff, to health visitors and community teams and to the careful planning of Primary Care Trust staff that we did not see the levels of flu that were forecast for last winter."

"There is no doubt that older people and others who are eligible for flu jabs recognise the value of immunisation. Flu is a nasty illness and it is good news that those most at risk appear to be taking a common sense approach to it by ensuring they are protected."