Flu jabs could save the job of a nurse at Maryport Health Services.

The only doctors’ surgery in the town has urged eligible people to come to them for their flu jabs because of the valuable income it brings in.

Last week 9,000 over-65s lined up at the Maryport Rugby Club for the surgery’s marathon flu jab day but there are still some over-65s and many eligible under-65s who have not been vaccinated.

For the first time this year invitations to the rugby club event included an appeal to have the vaccination done at the club or at the surgery. Also for the first time, the surgery has arranged some evening slots to allow people to call in after work.

Practice manager Kerri Hunter said: “The payment we receive from the NHS for administering the vaccinations is the equivalent to a nurse’s wage. It actually helps us tremendously and, as a result, improves the service we can offer.”

The annual flu jab day has become part of the Maryport social calendar. As well as the vaccinations themselves, various help organisations set up stalls to talk and give out information relating to health, ageing, patient participation and groups supporting those with chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Tea and coffee is served where people catch up with friends and neighbours and there is also a chance of some giveaways such as non-slip slippers.

Drop-in clinics for the flu jabs will be held between noon and 1pm Mondays to Fridays, starting on Monday.

There will be additional clinics from 4.30 to 7.30 on Mondays and Thursday and from 4.30 to 5.30 on Wednesday and Friday.

The first week, from Monday to Friday will be for over-65s as delivery of the 64-and-under vaccine has been delayed.

Patients 64 or under are eligible if they have health problems such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease of kidney disease.

Patients who have had transplants are also eligible as are patients with learning disabilities. Patients who are carers are also eligible to receive a vaccine as well as patients with a Body Mass Index of over 40. Patients who are pregnant are also eligible as are patients with compromised immunity. They can attend clinics from October 21 to 25. Over 65s may also attend these drop-ins.