THE flu vaccination campaign has been a hailed a success in the Mid-Essex area, which includes Maldon district.

As of 24 November, 75 per cent of adults living locally aged over 65 had taken up the offer of the vaccine – reaching a national target early on in the campaign.

The figures were revealed at a meeting of the local CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) this afternoon.

The report also showed that 55 per cent of clinically vulnerable under 65s have had the jab and 54 per cent of pregnant women.

A spokesperson for Mid Essex CCG said that the campaign to vaccinate more people in these groups will continue and that while there have been some flu vaccine shortages, more stocks have been secured centrally and are now making their way through to local GP practices and pharmacies.

It was also announced that from 1 December, the CCG has been advised that the campaign to get all those aged 50 to 64 protected from the flu can begin.

The spokesperson added: "But we're not sitting on our laurels. We will continue to push for our vulnerable groups to come forward for vaccination.

"I want to thank all those people who have come forward to take the vaccine so far, too. This allows us to be ready to move forward to plan for delivery of the Covid vaccine when the time comes."