Fewer people have been exposed to the risks of flu this winter thanks to increased immunity levels in the community.

The highest vaccine uptake rate for three years combined with low levels of flu naturally circulating across mainland Europe and the UK has meant that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as seen one of its quietest flu seasons for several years.

However, health experts are encouraging the public not to be complacent as the severity of a flu season varies each year.

Felicity Owen, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: “GPs are starting to order their vaccine supplies now for the coming flu season and we shouldn't be complacent in thinking that one good year will be followed by another.

“Surgeries will again start offering the vaccine from late September and we hope that we can maintain if not improve the strong take-up rates we saw this year.”

Some 122,000 over 65s were targeted during the local Guess Flu campaign for the free flu vaccine across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from last autumn, of which 72.5 percent took up the offer.

This was over 3,000 more people than in previous years (up 2.5 percent).

Similarly, people under 65 in the 'at risk' groups - those with long-term illnesses that make them vulnerable to developing complications - also came forward in larger numbers. Some 51.8 percent had the vaccination - over 1,000 more than in previous years (up 2 percent).

This winter, the flu season started late and flu rates locally have remained noticeably low all winter according to data from the Health Protection Agency.

While rates 'spiked' in February when Britain suffered a spell of cold weather, even this was low, with the South reaching just 30 cases per 100,000 head of population.

James Bolt, public health specialist, added: “After a couple of really bad flu seasons in which most people either had or knew someone who had flu, people have become more aware of the importance of being vaccinated before the flu season starts to give maximum protection.

“We hope that people won't become complacent after one relatively flu-free season and that we will be able to continue the momentum this year.”