Pensioners in Shipley are missing out on a vital vaccination because of a shortage of supplies.

Eric Mortimer, 75, of Westcliffe Road, was invited for a flu jab four weeks ago by his local surgery, Shipley Health Centre.

The widower had also seen national publicity from the NHS about the importance of all over 65s getting the free vaccination to ward off the potentially fatal winter illness.

When he telephoned the surgery in Alexandra Road to enquire about an appointment, he was shocked to find the medical centre did not have enough supplies to give him a vaccination until the end of November.

"I am very concerned about this," he said.

Mr Mortimer suffers from asthma, arthritis and high blood pressure, which makes him especially vulnerable to flu

He said: "Why should I have to wait until the end of November? I might not be here by then. The best time to get vaccinated is now."

Everyone over the age of 65 or those who suffer from other serious illnesses which make them more vulnerable are invited for a free flu jab every year.

Some clinics started vaccinating patients as early as last month.

Paula Guiry, practice manager at Shipley Health Centre, said: "We ordered the majority of our vaccinations last October in good faith from the supplier we normally use.

"The supplier wrote to us to let us know that there had been a delay until November 24 due to circumstances beyond their control.

"We already have 300 vaccinations from another supplier which will be given to our most vulnerable patients. We are confident there will be sufficient vaccines to provide protection to those who need it throughout winter."

Liz Kernohan, director of public health for North Bradford Primary Care Trust, said: "GP practices have individual contracts with suppliers for flu vaccinations.

"We are unaware of any other problems amongst our practices due to lack of supplies. The flu vaccination programme will be phased throughout the winter period.