The lifesaving NHS winter vaccination programme in the North East and Yorkshire has delivered more than 1.4 million Covid vaccines and 1.9 million flu jabs to people most at risk in a little over six weeks.

The national booking system recently opened up for those eligible to book an appointment to have the covid vaccine as well as the flu vaccine at the same time, in a further boost to an already record-breaking flu vaccine roll-out.

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 nationally, including to those aged 65 plus and those with certain health conditions.

More than 90% of care home residents in the region have now received their covid jab, topping up their protection ahead of winter when Covid, flu and other viruses circulate most, while people spend more time indoors.

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

NHS bosses are buoyed by the progress, but are urging others to come forward ahead of the colder months.

As winter approaches, the number of Covid cases has been on the rise, with the last two weeks seeing an average of more than 700 patients in North East and Yorkshire hospitals with Covid – an increase of about a third from the same period last month.

Dr Yvette Oade CBE, Medical Director for NHS England in North East and Yorkshire said: “The vaccination figures to date are very encouraging, and show the NHS is making excellent progress in helping those most at risk of life-threatening flu and COVID-19 viruses get the protection they need this winter, but we want to ensure even more people are booking appointments.

She added: “We know things start to get more pressured for the NHS at this time of year, but vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent people from getting sick this winter and with thousands of appointments available every day, I urge everyone eligible to please come forward and book yours too.

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 other common winter viruses.

All eligible adults can now book their flu and Covid vaccinations together at one appointment, by visiting www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations or on the NHS App. GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both flu and Covid vaccines, and people can book the flu vaccine by searching online for a local pharmacy.

Further information on children’s eligibility for the flu vaccine can also be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/

ENDS