Places such as Bridgnorth and Hodnet could be hotspots for flu this year, according to a new report revealing uptake of vaccination in some parts of Shropshire was low during the major outbreak last winter.

It comes as figures reveal that only half of the “at risk” category of patients in the area received a seasonal flu jab.

But among those aged over 65, the uptake was better, according to a report to today’s board meeting of Shropshire County PCT.

The report says: “Based on the data from the last campaign there is an indication that some communities have lower uptake of the vaccine.

“For example, in the Bridgnorth area, vaccination rates were around 62 per cent and Hodnet where the rate was 58 per cent. In such communities there is the potential for a higher incidence of influenza to occur.”

The report claims a number of GP surgeries across Shropshire will need to review their plans for the coming year “in order to improve their performance.”

It says: “Whilst Shropshire achieved the 70 per cent target across the county for over 65-year-olds, a significant number of practices did not achieve this figure.

“On average 50 per cent of the at risk group of patients were vaccinated. Both figures are below the targets identified for the coming seasonal flu vaccination campaign (75 per cent and 60 per cent respectively).”

Officials say there are an estimated 86,285 patients in the area who are eligible for vaccination.

It says: “Just under 62,000 older people and just over 24,000 people in the at risk category would need to be vaccinated to cover the whole population of eligible patients, and 46,500 older people and 14,400 at risk people would need to be vaccinated if we are to achieve the targets.”

The reports says there are a number of factors which may have influenced the uptake of vaccination including public concern regarding the safety or side effects of the H1N1 component of the vaccine being used, perceived shortages of the trivalent vaccine nationally and adverse weather affecting attendance at GP surgeries.

According to the report the south east and north west of the county appear to have more practices where uptake is “significantly” lower than the Shropshire average. Shrewsbury & Atcham appears to have the highest uptake rates.