An online scheme providing flu shot vouchers, aimed predominantly at businesses, has been launched.

The scheme was the brainchild of Peter Mills, commercial director of H and G Healthcare, a private medical company which is responsible for delivering the flu vouchers service.

According to Mr Mills, he realised that companies needed a convenient means to protect their workforce.

"In 2008 many businesses struggled to cope with their workload in the build up to Christmas as flu outbreaks resulted in millions of man hours being lost," he said.

Although the scheme was first run in 2006, this is the first year that the entire process can be carried out over the internet.

The scheme enables individuals or businesses to purchase vouchers which can then be taken to one of the 1,200 participating retailers, including Boots, Tesco, Superdrug and Morrison's, and exchanged for the flu jab.

Larger businesses can book a nurse for a site visit.

The scheme is being run in conjunction with the Zebra Group, which provides cost effective business services.