The lifesaving NHS winter vaccination programme in the Midlands has delivered more than 1,900,000 flu jabs and over 1,340,000 Covid vaccines to people most at risk in just over five weeks, making this the fastest NHS flu vaccine roll out on record.

On Monday the national booking system opened up for those eligible to book an appointment to have both flu and Covid vaccines given at the same time.

Analysis also shows that this year has seen the fastest ever rollout of Covid-19 vaccines to care homes by NHS teams, with more care homes visited in the first five weeks of this campaign than in previous rollouts.

More than 71 percent of eligible care home residents have been vaccinated in the Midlands, with dates in place for visits to the remaining care homes.

Despite these efforts eligible people are urged to get their lifesaving Covid and flu vaccines to reduce the risk of infection.

The number of patients in hospital with Covid in England hit a five-month high of 4,205 patients on 8 October – up 14% on the previous week.

The NHS is continuing to invite all those eligible for winter vaccinations to come forward and book appointments – so far over 16 million invitations have been sent, including to those aged 65 and those with certain health conditions.

Today reminders are also being sent to parents of 2 to 3 year olds to encourage them to book their child’s flu vaccination at their GP practice.

The autumn vaccination campaign is among a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter with the health service already facing immense pressure from ongoing industrial action, demand on emergency services, alongside the risk of a new Covid variant, and common winter viruses.

Roz Lindridge, the NHS England director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands said: “As things get more pressured for the NHS at this time of year, vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent people from getting sick this winter.

Our NHS staff are doing an incredible job in the vaccination programme to ensure that as many eligible people as possible receive vital protection quickly and conveniently.

The uptake numbers are very encouraging, and we want to continue ensuring even more people are booking appointments. The National Booking System is now open so, if you are eligible, please do take up the offer and get your Covid and flu jabs as soon possible.

Even if you have previously had a vaccination or been ill with flu or Covid-19 before, immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year, so it is important you top up your protection.”

People eligible for both winter vaccines include all aged 65 and over, those that are pregnant, those aged 6 months and above with certain health conditions, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.

Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment – NHS (www.nhs.uk)