UP to 26,000 people in Herefordshire are being advised to roll up their sleeves and get a flu jab.

They are all over the age of 65 and vaccination could significantly lower their risk of a serious flu illness through the winter. Doctors throughout the county are organising special clinics to cope with the demand.

Returns from 17 of the 24 GP practices in Herefordshire showed that 78% of people aged 65 and over received the flu jab last year. It was the most ever.

More people are expected to take up the offer this winter and because of some problems with vaccine deliveries last year many GPs have delayed starting their mass flu jab programme to ensure that they have adequate supplies.

Notices have gone out to patients inviting them to attend special clinics set aside for the purpose.

For example at Much Birch surgery, which is typical of a rural practice covering many villages, two sessions will be held at Much Birch community hall between 9am and 11am on both Saturday, October 14 and Saturday, October 21. Last year the surgery team gave flu jabs to 1,200 over 65s on two mornings.

Flu vaccine cannot be ordered too far in advance because the strain of predicted flu changes each year.

The World Health Organisation makes the recommendation and this year the virus is linked to the names of New Caledonia, Wisconsin, Hiroshima and Malaysia.

Although nearly 26,000 people in Herefordshire qualify through age for the flu jab, the number given is much higher because those with chronic illness or who are frail and vulnerable at any age are also invited to take up the offer.

To help the flu jabbers' patients are advised to be at the ready by taking off their jumper or coat, rolling up their sleeves, or wear short sleeves.