Cases of swine flu are on the decline in the North West and medics are growing concerned that complacency will lead to people at risk not bothering to be vaccinated.

They warn that those with underlying health problems such as asthma and heart disease should still get the jab.

The same advice applies to children aged under five years.

Dr Ruth Hussey, regional director for public health, said: “It looks like cases of swine flu are now on the decline, which is fantastic news. But I’m concerned that this might put off some people who should get the vaccine from doing so.

"The virus is still circulating, and if people with conditions such as asthma, heart and lung disease, with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant catch the virus, they can become seriously ill.”

Figures show that 2,720 people in the North West have needed hospital treatment due to swine flu since the beginning of July last year; 250 have needed critical care, 48% of hospital cases have had an underlying health condition.

Forty-four people across the region have died as a result of the virus since April last year. The majority of these have had underlying health conditions.

Dr Hussey added: “The swine flu vaccine really is the best protection if you have an underlying health condition." Young children are particularly at risk of developing complications if they contract the virus.

Wirral GP practices are rolling out the vaccine to children aged over six months and under five years.

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted the swine flu virus can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513 513 for information or 0800 1 513 100 for treatment.

If you have think you could have swine flu and have chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, are over 65, are pregnant, or if you have a child under one-year old with symptoms, you should telephone your usual GP service rather than use the National Pandemic Flu Service.