More than 300 people decided to fight the flu this season by getting their shots through the Department of Health's Flu Express Programme.

The Flu Express travels the Island offering vaccines to adults, seniors, and anyone who has had the shot before.

This year's service was yesterday hailed a success by Health Minister Nelson Bascome.

"I am pleased to be here today for the final day of the 2008 Flu Express," he said. "Many people are busy and on the go all the time.

"The Flu Express has made getting your flu shot more convenient by allowing individuals to simply drive to the site and wait in line, sign a consent form, receive your flu shot from a qualified nurse and away you go.

"Not including today, the Department of Health has administered over 300 flu shots via the Flu Express this year. January is the peak time for contracting the flu in Bermuda.

"Having an annual flu shot provides a high level of immunity to the current strains of flu virus."

Anyone who missed the Express can visit Department of Health centres to get their vaccination.

The flu vaccine is recommended for healthy children between six months and 18 years of age, adults aged 60-plus, people of any age with chronic health problems and their carers, pregnant women in their second or third trimester, essential public service workers, health care providers, travellers, and those living in dormitories or crowded conditions.

Persons can also help prevent the flu with frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, throwing away soiled tissues and avoiding crowded places.

Such techniques should be used even if a person has been vaccinated as, according to Chief Medical Officer John Cann, there are various strains of influenza. The vaccine only guards against those strains predicted to be the most prevalent.

Regardless, Dr. Cann said, it is important to get immunised. He urged the public not to take the disease lightly because it can cause days off work and, where large numbers are affected, can devastate the community.