Residents classed as being in ‘at risk groups' are being urged to go and get vaccinated for flu as a national programme gets underway. All those over the age of 65 are eligible for free vaccines, and improvements have been made over recent years in getting towards a target of 75% of over 65s vaccinated. But the Department of Health is particularly keen to get a better uptake in clinical risk groups under the age of 65, such as asthma sufferers, as well as carers and health care workers.

Labour's health spokesperson, Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing said:

"As with every year I would urge those over 65 to take advantage of free flu vaccinations available to them. The World Health Organisation target for this group is 75% which we have not yet reached in this country, so I would like to see it reached and exceeded this year.

"But other groups are vulnerable or in positions where they could pass flu on to vulnerable people.