SWINE flu vaccines are still being offered to patients in Barnsley who are in the at risk groups.

It is predicted swine flu will be the predominant flu virus for the 2010 flu season.

Barnsley assistant director of public health Sharon Stoltz said it was important people remain vigilant.

"It is extremely important that we do not allow the current low levels of flu-like illnesses and the relatively mild self-limiting illness that has characterised most people's infections to lead to a sense of complacency," she said.

"The 2010 season may come earlier than usual and there may be outbreaks sparked by returning travellers from countries affected by the southern hemisphere flu season which starts quite soon.

"NHS Barnsley is encouraging GP's to continue to make the vaccine available to those in priority groups until the beginning of the 2010/11 flu season."