A CAMPAIGN to persuade the over 65s to get vaccinated against flu before the onset of winter has been launched in the Morecambe Bay area.

The campaign encourages elderly people to be vaccinated by GPs or nurses at doctor's surgeries.

Those in at risk groups will be eligible for a free flu jab.

A spokesman for Morecambe Bay health Authority said: "We have more than 57,000 Morecambe Bay residents who are aged 65 or over - that's about one ion five of our population. We also have another 10,500 people in at risk categories in old people's and nursing homes as well as those with chronic heart or chest complaints, kidney disease, diabetes or lowered immunity due to a disease or treatment."

Dr John Astbury said: "The viruses are always changing so this winter's flu will be slightly different from last winter's flu will be slightly different from last winter's. It's extremely important that all those who can have the vaccine take up the offer. For some people flu can lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchus and pneumonia, which may require treatment in hospital. And, sadly, every winter a lot of mainly older people die from influenza. Healthy people don't need to be vaccinated and it's one of those areas where the occasional bout of flu gives better long term protection than a flu vaccination."