HEALTH experts in Orchard Park are using mobile technology and social media to urge patients to have a flu vaccination.
The Haxby Group practice at the Orchard Centre has sent hundreds of text messages to patients who are most at risk of contracting flu.
They are also using social networking sites Facebook and Twitter to spread the word.
Practice manager Neil Hewson said it was hoped the moves would encourage patients who have not yet received the vaccination to attend a walk-in clinic at the centre next week.
He said: "The annual flu campaign is a main effort at this time of year as we are trying to get as many of our patients aged over 65 and those in the clinical at-risk groups to attend for their vaccination in order to reduce the impact flu can have.
"If any of our patients have doubts or questions, we encourage them to take to our nursing team who can answer their questions in detail.
"We have been running regular flu clinics since the beginning of October and as we try to encourage the remaining patients who have not yet had their vaccination, we are putting on a further walk-in clinic at both our Orchard Park and Kingswood surgeries on December 15."
The at-risk groups include pregnant women, those with long-term conditions and people with low immune systems. Mr Hewson said the vaccines are offered until the end of March.
He said: "Flu can be dangerous and highly contagious.
"It is largely preventable. If you have the vaccine, it is going to stop the symptoms being as bad as they otherwise would be.
"It is very much about protecting the patients."
Mr Hewson said many Orchard Park residents need a flu jab and it is vital they realise the importance.
He said: "Unfortunately, Orchard Park is an area which has a high prevalence of people in these clinical at-risk groups, many of whom seem to be reluctant to be vaccinated.
"We would really encourage people to get themselves vaccinated for the benefit of themselves and those around them."
Frontline staff at the practice have also been vaccinated to ensure any outbreak of flu has minimal impact on their ability to provide health care to patients.
The walk-in clinic will be held at the centre in Orchard Park Road from 10.30am to 11.30am on December 15.
