The health minister set an example to the public today as she queued up to get her flu shot.

Kim Wilson said she hoped the public would follow suit to help control the risk of influenza over the winter season.

Ms Wilson added: “The flu vaccine is a safe and highly effective method of preventing most cases of flu.

“Side effects are rare and usually mild. The best way to protect yourself and your family from influenza is with the flu vaccine.”

Ms Wilson was speaking as she got her shot at the Flu Express service at the National Sports Centre in Devonshire.

The jab is available to priority groups through their GP or the Flu Express and costs $15 a shot.

But people aged over 65 will get the flu vaccine free of charge.

A spokeswoman for the health ministry said the public could pre-register for the flu shot to minimise paperwork on arrival and cut waiting time.

The Flu Express will be at:

• The Clocktower Mall in Dockyard on Monday between 10am and 2pm

• Penno’s Wharf, St George’s, on Wednesday from 10am to 2pm. There will be no drive-through service.

• The Clocktower Mall, Dockyard on Friday, between 10am and 2pm

People listed as priorities for the jab included healthcare workers, caregivers and essential service workers and people aged 65 and over

Those with chronic medical conditions who are at risk of complications from the flu – such as diabetics, asthmatics and people with heart disease – are also regarded as priority cases.

People in vulnerable groups should advise their GP that they have had the flu shot.

Children aged ten and over can also get the jab, but youngsters aged from six months to 9 should get it at their family doctor’s surgery.

To register for the flu jab, visit www.gov.bm/ and click on the yellow flu vaccine registration tab in the top right-hand corner of the page.

An e-mail will be sent to and must be shown on arrival for vaccination.

People can also register by phone on 799 1524 or 332-8902 or fill out a consent form in person at the Flu Express location.