A quarter of patients aged 65 and over in Bolton have not been vaccinated against influenza, new figures show.

The NHS offers free flu jabs to the most vulnerable patients – such as those in older age groups, with weaker immune systems, or pregnant women.

But new figures show 74 per cent of 55,000 patients aged 65 and over in Bolton had received a vaccine as of the end of November, with the remainder more vulnerable to the illness.

This was lower than the national average – 76 per cent of people over 65 had been given a vaccine across England as of the end of November, leaving nearly a quarter of this group unvaccinated.

More recent figures – only available for England as a whole – show this figure has since increased slightly, to 77 per cent.

However, the NHS warns this is a lower proportion than at the same point last winter.

Official guidance says vaccinations remain "critically important", reducing the burden on the health service as it deals with regular winter pressures and the continued fall-out of the coronavirus pandemic.

Vulnerable people under 65 had lower coverage, with 34 per cent vaccinated in Bolton. Meanwhile, uptake among pregnant women was at 24 per cent at the end of November.

Cllr Andy Morgan, opposition spokesman for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing said: “Getting the flu jab helps protect individuals from getting the flu, which can be severe and even life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions.

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“By getting vaccinated, people can significantly reduce their chances of catching the flu and helps in reducing the spread of the virus within our communities.

“I would encourage anyone who is eligible to give it serious thought and to have the vaccination as soon as possible to protect themselves but also those around them.

“By getting vaccinated we can ease the winter pressures already being experienced by the NHS.”

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, urged older people to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19.

She said: "Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses and although there's still a chance we might get flu even after vaccination, the symptoms are likely to be milder and more short-lived.

"With all the worries about the rising cost of living and energy prices and with the additional pressures on the NHS at wintertime, it’s more important than ever to stay fit and well this year, and getting these vaccinations will help.”

Dr Mary Ramsay, director of public health programmes at UKHSA, said infections are rising as people socialise indoors over the festive season.

She said: "Nobody wants to get their new year off to a bad start, so be sure to gift yourself the best possible protection against flu and Covid-19 as we head into peak season.

"Pregnant women and those in clinical risk groups are at higher risk of complications from flu but over 60 per cent of these groups remain unvaccinated, so we urge them to come forward."

Dr Ramsay said those eligible should speak to their GP – adding that many pharmacies offer free bookable and walk-in vaccinations.

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