Wales - Hopes for no-hassle flu-jabs for MS patients
The move will come as a relief to the O'Donohues, in Tonyrefail, who have struggled to convince their GPs that they should receive the vaccine.

MULTIPLE Sclerosis patients could automatically be offered the seasonal flu jab from next year.

The Welsh Assembly Government is considering expert advice to include people with neurological conditions in the at-risk groups entitled to the free vaccination.

But, at present, most people with MS cannot get a flu jab, unless they have associated respiratory problems.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the four UK health departments on immunisation policy has said that a neurological at-risk category should be added to the list of groups offered influenza vaccine from next year.

The move will come as a relief to the O'Donohues, in Tonyrefail, who have struggled to convince their GPs that they should receive the vaccine.

Kevin O'Donohue was initially told that his wife, Janet, who has MS, could not have a flu jab, even though she has had one for the last two years.

The 46-year-old said he had to convince his local GP that his wife was entitled, after she was initially denied it on the grounds she is not in one of the at-risk groups.

The flu jab is currently offered free to everyone over 65 and those with a number of chronic conditions, such as asthma.

Mr O'Donohue, a production operator, said, "If my wife was to catch a bad case of flu this winter, the consequences could be dire."