People are being urged to get their jabs in now before the flu bug starts to bite over the next two months.

Doctors are particularly keen for vulnerable individuals ? such as the elderly, young children and those with general health problems ? to get vaccinated.

There has been an increase in flu among primary school children and pre-school youngsters over November and December, medics say. However, cases among adults have been reduced over that period.

Doctors say January and February are traditionally the peak flu season and want people to take advantage of vaccines available in clinics in the City of Hamilton, Somerset and St. George?s as well as private physicians.

Dr. Brenda Davidson, Senior Medical Officer for the Department of Health, said: ?Anyone who doesn?t want to get flu needs to make sure they get a vaccine.

?In most people, flu isn?t serious, but for some it can be dangerous. We are trying to encourage high-risk people to get their vaccines.

?We have released 5,000 doses this winter, which is a slightly higher uptake than normal, but the peak flu season is coming up so we want as many people as possible to get vaccinated.

?There?s been quite a lot of flu going around children recently.

?They pick it up in their schools and it can spread around. The danger is that it can now spread to their parents as well.?

Recent flu figures are unavailable, but there have been just less than 500 suspected cases in Bermuda so far this year.

Dr. Davidson said the total figure could be higher because many cases go unreported.

People most at risk of the complications of flu include all children aged six months to five years; anyone over 65; elders in rest homes; anyone with chronic health problems such as heart or lung conditions, asthma, kidney disease, sickle cell anaemia or immune system diseases; people under 18 on aspirin therapy; pregnant women in their second or third trimester during flu season.

It is also recommended that essential public service workers such as teachers, police or prison customs officers get vaccines, as well as health care providers, carers of those with chronic health problems, travellers and people living in dormitories and crowded conditions. Physicians may also recommend some people receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against pneumococcal pneumonia ? a severe illness which can land patients in hospital.

Advice to prevent the spread of flu or other respiratory infections includes covering coughs and sneezes, disposing of soiled tissues and avoiding crowded places.

People under their physician?s care for chronic health problems, and children under three, should consult their doctor about the vaccine. Side effects are rare and usually mild.

It costs $10 per shot for adults and children at Department of Health clinics, with no charge for people over 65.

The pneumococcal vaccine costs $20 and generally does not need to be repeated annually.

Vaccines are available at Hamilton Health Centre from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.; St. George?s Health Centre on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; and Somerset Health Centre on Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m..