By James Broadhurst

Last updated at 12:15, Thursday, 18 October 2012

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

Dr Ashok Kailasa gives Kathleen Dawson her flu jab

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

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

Michelle Mulcahy, business manager, said: “It’s been quieter than normal.

“We are very disappointed. We will re-evaluate next year how we send out invitations.

“Word of mouth has gone around and people have come.”

She added that if the invitations had been sent out then they would have expected between 1,200 and 1,400 people to turn up on the day.

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

Anne Greggains, chairwoman of the group, 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 were also there offering advice and information.

For those who were not able to attend, drop-in sessions 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 11:55, Thursday, 18 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk