Last updated at 15:25, Friday, 19 October 2012

About 1,000 people turned up for a mass flu vaccination in Maryport despite an error in sending out invitations.

This year 4,758 invitations for seasonal flu jabs were meant to be sent out by an outside agency but they failed to reach people in time.

Maryport Health Service organised the flu jabs at the Maryport Rugby Club on Mealpot Road on Wednesday.

Michelle Mulcahy, business manager, said: “We will re-evaluate next year how we send out invitations.

“Word of mouth has gone around and people have come. but it is quieter than normal.”

They would have expected up to 1,400 people to turn up.

The practice’s patient participation group offered tea and coffee, a raffle and items including books, CDs and clothes to buy.

Anne Greggains, group chairwoman, said: “We usually manage to raise £500 but we won’t do that this time so it’s really annoying.”

The charity West Cumbria Carers offered advice and information.

Drop-in sessions offering further flu jabs will be held at the surgery on Ewanrigg Road from noon to 1pm and 4.30pm to 5.30pm from Monday to November 2.

First published at 11:52, Friday, 19 October 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk