HEALTH bosses are concerned pensioners are missing out on free flu jabs.

Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) said a recent shortage of vaccine may mean some elderly people have not yet made an appointment with their doctor.

Dr Phil Kirby, the trust's director of public health, said: "Normally, by this time of the year, we would expect most people over 65 to have had their flu vaccination.

"Last year, the uptake of the flu jab in Hambleton and Richmondshire was among the highest in the country, but we are concerned that there are still a large number of people not being vaccinated.

"We can only assume that because we have not had a flu epidemic for some years now, people are getting complacent and do not think it will happen to them."

People most at risk from flu are those over 65, plus adults and children with kidney disease, diabetes or chest complaints.