Demand for flu jabs in north Essex has beaten the Government target to try and prevent a major outbreak of flu.

The uptake for the jab has exceeded the November target of 60 per cent by nearly two per cent.

The Government had reduced the age group to 65 years and over for flu vaccinations in a bid to minimise the amount of people likely to fall victim to influenza and bronchitis and pneumonia.

Consultant in communicable diseases at North Essex Health Authority Dr Sally Millership said: "We are delighted that we are on target and would like to thank GPs across north Essex and their staff for all the hard work they have put in to help us achieve this situation.

"We still need to make every effort to vaccinate all those at risk and requesting influenza immunisation."

And despite the winter season Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust said it is business as usual for the community trust which includes five hospitals - Colchester General Hospital, Essex County, Clacton, Halstead and Harwich hospitals.

The Trust's chief executive Mike Pollard said: "A combination of thorough planning and a manageable number of emergency admissions means that we have been able to carry out all of our routine operations with no cancellations.

"However, we are not complacent. The situation could change very swiftly, but we are prepared."

Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust is co-ordinating the winter pressures demand and data at the Winter Information Centre at ambulance HQ at Broomfield.

The centre will receive information about bed status, trolley waits, intensive care units and general hospital capacity and will pass statistics on to the Department of Health over the Christmas and New Year periods.

Centre manager Mike Saunders said: "The aim is to ensure seamless and high quality of care for patients needing to access the NHS over the winter period."

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