DOCTORS in Blackburn and Darwen are worried the number of people over 65 receiving flu jabs is down on last year.

They are urging pensioners and people with chronic illnesses to take advantage of the free jabs before the vaccination programme finishes at the end of the month.

Dr Gifford Kerr, consultant in public health at Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust, said figures were slightly down than at the same stage last year despite a drive to increase the vaccination rate an extra five per cent to 70 per cent.

He said: "I would encourage everyone who is eligible, even if they feel fit and healthy and the weather is still mild, to contact their GP surgery for a flu jab because this is the best form of protection against flu.

"People planning to take up their right to a free flu jab should contact their GP surgery in the next few days to arrange an appointment before the end of November."

Anybody can get flu and the consequences can be severe, especially for people over 65 and those in "at risk groups".

Over 21,000 people over the age of 65 in Blackburn with Darwen are eligible for free flu jabs as are more than 2,000 others in "at risk" groups - diabetics, asthma sufferers, people with heart disease or other serious illnesses.

People wanting information about the vaccine can contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit the website at www.nhsdirect.uk