UPTAKE for the flu vaccine among adults in Herefordshire has been relatively low so far this year, raising concerns among professionals.

Public Health at Herefordshire Council says that anyone aged 65 and over, expectant mothers and people with long term health conditions should take a tip from local schoolchildren and consider getting the jab.

A Public Heath spokesman said: "It has been very encouraging that the flu vaccine uptake in Year 1 andYear 2 school children has exceeded the national target across Herefordshire.

"But Public Health urges in individuals aged 65 and over, expectant mothers and people with long term health conditions to get their flu vaccine as priority."

Prof Rod Thomson Director Public Health at Herefordshire Council said: “Flu is a highly contagious illness that spreads rapidly through the population. It can cause serious complications.

“This year more children are being vaccinated because we know that they can very easily pick up germs and spread them amongst friends and family members."

Dr Arif Mahmood Consultant in public health at Herefordshire Council said: "My advice for anyone eligible for the free flu vaccination is to get it now before flu starts to circulate widely in the community, especially those who are over 65, those who have long-term health conditions and those expectant mothers”

Although it’s not possible to know which strains of flu will circulate each winter, the flu vaccination "is still the best protection against an unpredictable virus which can cause severe illness and deaths amongst vulnerable groups".

Further information and where you can get you flu jab can be found at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/fluvaccination