Those with private medical cover urged to get flu jab

People with private medical cover could benefit from a flu vaccination as the virus continues to spread.

According to figures from the Health Protection Agency, the number of people in intensive care with suspected or confirmed flu has shot up to 738 this week, including 42 under-fives.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley has announced the stepping up of the Catch It, Bin It, Kill It campaign and called on all those in at risk groups, which includes pregnant women and those aged over 65, to get vaccinated immediately.

"To help ease pressures on the NHS I want to remind people what we can all do to prevent the spread of flu. The first line of defence against flu is to be vaccinated - I urge everyone in an at risk group who hasn’t been vaccinated to contact their GP and book an appointment," he said.

So far, 39 people have died from the flu virus since October.

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