HEALTH chiefs have warned people that delays in flu vaccine supplies could continue until Christmas.

Hundreds in Bolton had their flu jabs cancelled last month after hold ups in production of the vaccine at some manufacturing laboratories.

More than half of the people targeted by the Government -- mainly elderly -- have not yet had their vaccinations.

Dr Peter Elton, director of public health for the Bolton and Wigan Health Authority, said: "What we can't be sure about is that there won't be any future delays. But we are sure that all the doctors will get their full supply by the end of December.

"I am optimistic we will reach the Government target of 60 per cent immunisation before then.

"Some patients have had to be scheduled a bit later and members of the public are a bit irritated but they are all going to get it."

The groups targeted by the Government include those aged over 65, those with heart problems and those with asthma and other bronchial problems.

However many health professionals are setting a bad example and not being immunised themselves.

Nurses, doctors and workers in old people's homes are targeted because they may help spread the flu bug to patients.