Flu shots designed for babies and toddlers are expected to be available this week.

Supplies of Trivalent — for children aged from six months to 35 months — could be in clinics by Friday, depending on clearance.

Quadrivalent influenza vaccine, suitable for adults and children aged three and up, is already available and the Department of Health said the shots can be had at Government clinics and at some private doctors’ surgeries.

The cost of the vaccine is $10 for adults and children.

Seniors, those aged over 65, get the shots free.

Flu shots are available on the ground floor of Hamilton Health Centre between 8.30am and 11.30am and on Wednesdays only between 2pm and 4pm.

Warwick Health Centre will provide shots between 2pm and 4pm on Tuesdays throughout January.

St George’s Health Centre will make the shots available every Thursday in January between 2pm and 4pm.

A spokesman for the health department said: “Flu vaccine can keep you from getting flu, make flu less severe if you do get it and keep you from spreading flu to your family and other people, especially newborns and young infants, children, seniors and persons at risk of complications from the flu.

“It can help reduce absenteeism from work or school due to influenza.”

He added: “By protecting yourself against influenza, you are also protecting your family, your household, your workplace and ultimately your community.”

People under doctor’s care for chronic medical conditions and children aged under three should get a prescription for flu immunisation from their private physician.

For more information on influenza visit https://www.gov.bm/health-data-and-monitoring under disease fact sheets or call 278-6460.