HEALTH chiefs are urging people entitled to a swine flu vaccination to make sure they get the jab.

Most GPs in Bolton have now received the initial stocks of vaccine and are contacting priority patients to get them protected against the virus.

But others at risk, who include pregnant women and children with health problems, can also contact their doctor about being immunised.

Jan Hutchinson, director of public health at NHS Bolton, said: “I’d particularly like to encourage pregnant women to consider having the swine flu vaccine.

“This is a group we have not traditionally targeted for normal seasonal flu vaccination, and most will not have had a flu jab before so they should talk to their midwife or doctor if they have any questions.

“Children in the at-risk groups are also a priority for me.

“I would urge the parents of children with any underlying health problems to contact their doctor and make sure their child is protected as soon as possible.”

Conditions making youngsters vulnerable include lung, heart, liver and kidney problems, asthma, diabetes, neurological conditions and weakened immune systems.

Other people entitled to the vaccine include those in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups, including asthmatics, diabetics and those with heart conditions, and those who live with someone whose immune system is compromised, for example, cancer and HIV/AIDS patients.

Programmes are under way to vaccinate health workers, with all 3,600 employees at the Royal Bolton Hospital being offered the jab, and most of the primary care trust’s 2,000 staff being given the opportunity.

NHS Bolton says the number of suspected cases of swine flu are not rising significantly in the town, and may even be down on previous weeks.

The national system for recording how many antivirals have been issued, which is used to estimate suspected cases, has changed.

It now records the quantity of medication prescribed, not number of patients, meaning no accurate local figure is currently available.

The trust is working with the national stock management service to get round the issue.

Anyone who thinks they may have swine flu should visit direct. gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1513 513 for information or 0800 1513 100 for treatment.