ELDERLY people in Morecambe Bay are being reminded to contact their family doctor to check if they are eligible for a free vaccination to protect them against influenza.

This year's campaign, run by Morecambe Bay Health Authority as part of a national drive to target all people aged 65 and over, has already brought a steady stream of inquiries to surgeries.

Public relations manager at Morecambe Bay Health Authority Allan Muirhead said: "The campaign urges all elderly people to have a free flu jab.

We had six deaths in the Morecambe Bay area last year where flu was a contributory factor.

Those who died were 65 or older."

There has already been one death this year with flu involved.

The health authority is anxious to alert not only the over 65s, but also those people who are in at risk categories, including those who live in a nursing or residential home, and those with a chronic heart or chest complaint including asthma, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment.

There are almost 70,000 people in Morecambe Bay who should be given the flu vaccine.