NHS North of Tyne is urging people in 'at risk' groups to have the vaccination as although swine flu cases are down, deaths and serious illness remain a concern.
Over the Christmas and new year period, new cases across England fell to their lowest level since the early stages of the disease in the UK.
However, patients continue to be hospitalised and admitted to critical care facilities, and deaths attributable to swine flu are still also occurring.
The swine flu vaccination programme slowed over the holiday period, but all groups prioritised to have the vaccine are continuing to take it up.
Julia Young, flu director for NHS North of Tyne, working on behalf of Northumberland Care Trust, Newcastle Primary Care Trust (PCT) and North Tyneside PCT, said: "Although the number of antivirals we are giving out to treat swine flu is reducing, some people who have been more severely affected by the symptoms are still in hospital.
"Our immediate priority for the vaccine remains the people in at risk groups including pregnant women, household contacts of people with compromised immune systems, health and social care staff, and children between the ages of six months and five years.
"We are strongly advising anyone who is contacted by their GP to take up the offer of the vaccine. Vaccines save lives."
Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer for England said: "Levels of pandemic flu are currently very low virtually concluding the second wave of the infection in this country.
"Although throughout it has not been a severe illness for most people, children and younger adults have developed serious complications, been admitted to hospital and some have died.
"When the virus returns in the 2010 flu season those who develop complications or die will be doing so from a vaccine preventable disease.
"I strongly advise that those eligible for the vaccine who have not yet had it, get the jab and protect themselves."
____________________________________________________________________
Click here to go back to News Post Leader Latest News