Guangdong Province's health authorities are urging people to get vaccinated against flu before the coming spring.

An official surnamed Chen from the Guangdong Provincial Health Bureau said the illness was most prevalent for the first three months of the year.

"Injecting the flu vaccine is a simple and efficient way to prevent flu," said Chen.

Seven groups of people have been identified as at high risk of contracting the disease - including old people, young children, chronic patients, medical staff, kindergarten staff or people in the service industry.

The Guangdong plan recommends people be vaccinated between March and October. The department was careful to issue warnings to pregnant women, infants and people who are allergic to eggs, not to receive the vaccine.

Some people are still waiting to see what happens with the vaccine before they take it.

One worker, Du Ping, said her company had organized all employees to take injections once a year. "I hope the tradition continues this year," she said.

Provincial health authorities ordered 13 cities in Guangdong to enhance communication with bird farms, monitor the information about bird flu.

Guangdong cities are being asked to follow strict procedures to monitor flu outbreaks to try and avoid an epidemic.

Two groups have been organized to give advice to the public on flu control and prevention, and to organize ambulances.

(China Daily January 6, 2005)