With the arrival of meteorological winter residents across the North East and Yorkshire are reminded they can get vital protection against the risk of serious illnesses by coming forward for their Covid and flu vaccinations.

NHS vaccination appointments for the Covid-19 booster are available at sites across our region, including this weekend Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, enabling people to get their vital top-up jab.

Groups eligible for the Covid booster are people aged over 50, pregnant women, children aged five years and over at high risk due to a health condition or weakened immune system, people aged 16 and over who are carers, or live with someone with a weakened immune system, and frontline health and social care workers.

You can book your Covid-19 booster online by visiting nhs.uk/covidvaccine or phone 119 if you need help making an appointment. Details of walk-in vaccination centres are available at www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab.

Dr Kev Smith, Regional Director of Public Health Commissioning at NHS North East and Yorkshire, said:

“Getting your Covid-19 booster can stop you getting seriously ill and speed up your recovery if you catch the virus. Covid can be serious, especially if you have a long-term health condition, a weakened immune system or are pregnant.

“If you’re eligible please come forward to protect yourself and those around you from the risk of serious illness. By getting added protection you will also help to reduce pressure on the NHS at a time when there is increased demand for its services.”

NHS vaccination teams are also offering the seasonal flu vaccine to people at greater risk. For most people flu is unpleasant, but for some it can be dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly those with certain health conditions. The flu vaccine is needed every year because the viruses that cause flu change every year.

Everyone aged 50 and over, pregnant women, care home residents, people with certain health conditions that put them at greater risk and frontline health and care staff are being offered both flu and Covid vaccines.

Those eligible for the free flu vaccine can book an appointment at their GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers it on the NHS. School-aged children will get their flu vaccine through schools and community venues. Pregnant women may also be able to get the vaccine through their maternity services to help protect themselves and their baby.

Find out more about what vaccinations you may need, and information about how to book an appointment, by visiting www.nhs.uk/flujab and www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine.