LESS than half of pregnant women took up the offer of the flu vaccine this winter, according to the latest figures.

The vaccine is available to all mothers-to-be in Scotland at any point during their pregnancy from October to March.

However, only 48% of expectant mothers were immunised last year - compared to 53% for the previous year.

The Scottish Government figures also revealed just two-thirds of pregnant women considered to be at-risk took up the vaccine in 2013/14.

The figures revealed there was an increase in the number of at-risk under-65s getting the vaccine.