People can protect themselves against influenza this winter by taking advantage of the Department of Health's Flu Express programme.

The service visits sites around the Island offering the flu vaccine to adults and seniors and anyone who has had the shot before.

Chief Medical Officer John Cann said: "In previous years there has been a high demand for the influenza vaccine at health centres round the island. The Flu Express programme, implemented last year, made it easier for people to access the vaccine.

"Following the success of the programme last season, I am pleased that we are able to offer this service to the community once again."

Those taking advantage of the service should drive to the site and wait in line in their vehicle before filling in a consent form.

They need to be dressed appropriately to allow the nurse to inject their upper arm and have $10 in cash ready to pay (it is free for seniors).

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.

The chance of catching flu can be reduced with frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, throwing away soiled tissues and avoiding crowded places.

The Flu Express will be at the following sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Penno's Wharf in St. George's (enter via Blacksmith's Hill) on Thursday, October 23; Somersfield Academy, 107 Middle Road, Devonshire, on Wednesday, October 29; and Warwick Clinic, Middle Road, on Thursday, November 6.

The flu vaccine is also available at the following locations: Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria Street, Mondays to Fridays, 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.;

St. George's Health Centre, 1 Old Military Road, Mondays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; and Somerset Health Centre, 55 Mangrove Bay Road, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.