Government will give free influenza vaccinations to seniors, to help reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia in this high-risk group.

Children between six months and two years old are at an even higher risk than seniors, according to a statement made by Health and Family Services Minister Patrice Minors in the House of Assembly on Friday.

?Studies have shown the benefits may not be as great as first thought but seniors can benefit to reduce the likelihood of complications,? Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann said. ?But the key thing is influenza should be respected.?

The free flu shots will be provided at clinics across the Island from November 21, the Minister said.

?Last year a total of 776 seniors received influenza vaccinations through the public health clinics,? Ms Minors said. ?There are over 6,500 seniors who should be considering vaccination.?

However, she said the free flu jabs would not protect seniors from mutated flu-strains like bird flu.

The Health Minister said the types of people who were most at risk of catching flu were healthy children aged from , seniors and residents of rest homes.

However, flu shots were also recommended to public service workers like teachers, Police Officers, Prison Guards, Customs Officers, nurses or people caring for family members with chronic health problems.

?This year, over 700 cases of flu were reported to the Department of Health in January and February and although more cases probably went unreported, no deaths were attributed locally to influenza,? she said.

?Having an annual flu shot is the best method of reducing the chance of getting ill due to influenza,? she said. ?In Bermuda the peak time of contracting flu is January.

?The chance of conducting flu and other upper respiratory infections can be reduced by frequent hand washing practices, covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding crowded places,? she said.

Free flu shots will be dispensed from the Hamilton Health Centre, Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., she said.

They will also be available from the St. George?s Health Centre on Mondays and at the Somerset Health Centre on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

?In addition, seniors may attend the Wellness Clinics established earlier this year to obtain their immunisations,? she said.

Vaccinations are available at $10 per injection for those under 65.