A MAJOR campaign to prevent a flu epidemic sweeping the borough starts next week.
And those at risk from the potentially lethal virus are being urged to get themselves immunised before the onset of winter.
Last winter, 420 patients were admitted into borough's hospitals after suffering from flu-related illnesses.
All surgeries and health centres in the borough will be taking part in the "Flu Prevention Campaign" to provide vaccinations for four weeks from Thursday (Oct 4) .
People urged to have the jab include the over-65s and those who have asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease.
Dr Kumar Kotegaonkar, who has a practice Spring Lane, Radcliffe, said: "Immunisation against flu is very effective and prevents more serious illness and hospital admissions.
"Rarely, some people get illnesses after injection but that illness is not serious. People who live in residential and nursing homes as well as those work in these homes need to be immunised."
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