The plea from NHS North Yorkshire and York comes as latest uptake figures show that only around 15 per cent of over 65s in the region eligible for the vaccine have taken it.

More people under 65 deemed to be at risk are coming forward, but data shows only around 21 per cent have so far come forward.

Dr Phil Kirby, associate director of public health at NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: "Getting immunised against swine flu is still important despite recent reports that it is declining.

"Flu pandemics can strike a population at any time of the year so getting immunised now means our local population will be better protected should another wave of swine flu hit us in the future."

The following groups of people were prioritised for immunisation when the swine flu vaccine was introduced in November 2009:

People aged over six months and under 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups.

All pregnant women.

Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems, for example people in regular close contact with patients receiving cancer treatment.

People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups. This does not include otherwise healthy over-65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity.