vaccine to the Island.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann said the consignment of medication arrived on the Island on Tuesday and would be ready for distribution in the next few days.

It is expected that two special sessions, this Saturday and on December 16, will be held to vaccinate those who have been waiting for their annual jab.

Dr. Cann said a worldwide supply problem had led to a two month delay in the supply arriving.

"We took possession of it today and there will be some special clinics to make more available to people to make up for the lack of availability,'' he said.

While the official supply has not been here, he said some pharmacies had brought in very small quantities.

The news comes as a welcome relief to the elderly and vulnerable who have been waiting for the vaccine.

One, Madeline Watkins, 80, said she almost died from the flu four years ago and was concerned about leaving her home without the protection of a vaccine.

Age Concern director Claudette Fleming said she knew the health department was doing all it could to address the needs of older people, but urged seniors to take measures to protect themselves until the vaccine was available.

Ms Fleming said there was a double warning for both the elderly and those affected by the flu.

She said: "They should stay away from people who may have it and for those that do have it, they should be sensible and try not to come into contact with vulnerable people unnecessarily.'' Back in April, there were warnings of flu vaccines being a month late in the US and chief medical officer Dr. John Cann said Bermuda would have enough to take care of the vulnerable.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the best time for vaccination as between mid-October and mid-November. However, for high risk people it says it can start as early as September.

It also rates high risk groups as those aged over 50 and those who have suffered from pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders in the past.

BIFF DEADLINE MPC BIFF deadline The Bermuda International Film Festival this week reminded Bermuda-based filmmakers that the final deadline for their submissions to the fourth edition of the festival, is January 1.

"We encourage more Bermudian, as well as locally-based filmmakers, to submit their work,'' said festival director Aideen Ratteray Pryse. "We know there is a lot of artistic talent in Bermuda, and we will always promote and encourage that talent where possible.'' Entry forms can be obtained from the festival's website www.bermudafilmfest.com. Films may be submitted in tape form in NTSC, PAL or SECAM formats.

Films selected for screening will preferably be made available in either 16 millimetre or 35 millimetre format but Super VHS and Beta SP can be accommodated.

Films completed more than two years before the date of the festival, which will be held between April 20 and 26 of next year, will not be accepted. Nor will films that have been commercially released in video format.

SOUND IDEA ENT Sound idea Beginning this week branches of the Bank of Butterfield will be graced by music from local schools during the lunch hours.

Customers at the Reid Street and Rosebank branches of the bank will hear holiday music for a half hour for the next three weeks from 12.45 p.m. to 1.15 p.m.

A bank spokeswoman said: "The Bank is pleased to provide these musical interludes to add a festive touch to the busy time leading up to the holidays and spotlight the musical talent of Bermuda's youth.'' The performing groups will range from a steel band to a primary school choir.