Poor uptake of vaccinations

Flu cases have been low to date due to the mild weather but there could be a surge in cases and those who should have been vaccinated will be at risk of catching the virus.

Most other 65s have had free vaccinations but less than half of younger people with medical conditions and only 27 per cent of pregnant women have been immunised at their GP surgery.

Muriel Scott, NHS Bedfordshire’s director of public health, said: “We are really concerned that this poor uptake of the vaccine could put many people’s lives at risk.

“For most people flu is just a nasty experience but for some it can lead to more serious illnesses resulting in a spell in hospital and even death.

“The flu vaccine is strictly regulated to ensure it is very safe and effective. The vaccines cannot cause flu as they do not contain the live virus.”