PRIMARY care trusts are joining together to combat flu as winter approaches.
People aged over 65, and younger people in at-risk groups, including those suffering from diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease or kidney disease, are being urged to receive an injection protecting against the illness.
The jab is provided free through GP surgeries.
Last year in the Hambleton and Richmondshire area, 78 per cent of people over the age of 65 had the free jab, the third highest uptake in the country.
Doctors are keen to increase the uptake still further this year to ensure that as many older and at-risk people are protected as possible.
Dr Phil Kirby, Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust's director of public health, said: "This jab offers important protection for people who are most at risk from flu, which can cause serious illness in some.
"The jab is available free through GP surgeries, with many running special flu jab clinics. I would urge people to contact their GP to find out how to make an appointment."
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