HEALTH bosses are launching a campaign to make sure even more Bury residents are protected against flu this winter.

Last year, more than 70 per cent of patients aged over 65 were immunised against the virus, along with people thought to be at high risk due to serious health conditions. The high levels of immunisation prevented an outbreak of flu before December last year and it remained fairly low throughout the winter months.

The 2005 campaign is due to begin this week and health bosses are calling for all patients aged over 65 and high-risk patients, such as people suffering from chronic diseases including heart disease, kidney failure and diabetes, to get the flu jab from their doctor.

Dr Derek Fletcher, chairman of the Professional Executive Committee at Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "We are also keen to immunise carers of at-risk patients and those looking after frail, older people.

"Carers can help to protect those they look after by having the flu immunisation themselves. That would go a long way to helping stop the spread of flu to the people who were most vulnerable."

Dr Peter Elton, director of public health for Bury PCT, added: "We must keep on immunising people against flu.

"If a person does not have the flu jab each year, they are more likely to get the flu. We were very lucky last year not to have had a flu epidemic - we may not be so lucky this year."