SWINE may well be the predominant strain when seasonal influenza hits later in the year, health chiefs have warned.

NHS Bury is urging those eligible for the vaccination to get protected against the virus.

Dr Peter Elton, director of public health for NHS Bury, said: “We want to get as much immunity in the borough as possible, before seasonal flu takes hold. Vaccination now will help protect us against the virus and its complications when seasonal flu hits later in the year.

“The swine flu jab continues to be freely available to all those in at risk groups and healthy children aged six months to under five years.”

People currently eligible for the vaccine include those aged between six months and 65 years in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups, pregnant women, and those who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.

Also eligible are people aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups, frontline health and social care workers as well as children aged six months to five years.

Drop-in vaccination sessions will take place in Prestwich on the following days: l Tuesday, April 6 between 9am and 11am: Sedgley Children’s Centre, Bishops Road.

l Tuesday, April 20 between 5pm and 7pm: Prestwich Walk-in Centre, Fairfax Road.

l Tuesday, May 4 between 9am and 11am: Sedgley Children’s Centre.

l Thursday, May 27 between 5pm and 7pm: Prestwich Walk-in Centre.

l Tuesday, June 7 between 9am and 11am: Sedgley Children’s Centre.

l Wednesday, June 23 between 5pm and 7pm: Prestwich Walk-in Centre.

l Monday, July 5 between 9am and 11am: Sedgley Children’s Centre.

l Thursday, July 22 between 5pm and 7pm: Prestwich Walk-in Centre.

l Monday, August 2 between 9am and 11am: Sedgley Children’s Centre.

l Wednesday, August 25 between 5pm and 7pm: Prestwich Walk-in Centre.

To make an appointment or for more information, call the NHS Bury flu team on 0161 272 4049.