As the NHS prepares for winter, latest official figures show almost 4 million eligible people in the North East and Yorkshire have received their Covid or flu vaccinations.

Seasonal vaccination data shows NHS staff have delivered 1,443,505 Covid-19 and 2,446,847 flu vaccinations to protect vulnerable people in this region ahead of winter.

Across England, a total of 8,774,050 people have received their autumn Covid booster jab since the vaccine roll-out began on 3 October, while 15,097,535 have received a flu vaccination since 1 September. NHS vaccination teams have visited 95% of the region’s eligible care homes.

The flu vaccine is the best defence for those most at risk as the weather gets colder and more people gather indoors.

Anyone eligible can book a Covid-19 or flu vaccine appointment via the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 for free. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy and there are walk-in sites available to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

NHS teams have also been vaccinating eligible people against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis which are highly dangerous to older people and young children.

In the North East and Yorkshire 174,669 people have received an RSV vaccination since the start of September and across England 1,047,208 people have had the vaccine.

The NHS is offering the RSV vaccination to pregnant women and older adults aged 75 to 79. Pregnant women should speak to their maternity service about receiving their RSV vaccine from 28 weeks to any point up to birth. Alternatively, they can get vaccinated by request at their local GP practice, while older adults will be invited by their local GP practice.

Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, said: “While RSV infections can occur all year round, alongside Covid and flu viruses, cases usually peak in winter – so it’s vitally important that anyone eligible for these vaccinations take

s up their offer as soon as possible when contacted by the NHS, to help avoid a possible ‘tripledemic’.”

NHS North East and Yorkshire Regional Medical Director Dr Hamish McLure (pictured) explained that NHS vaccination teams are working hard to protect people who are at the greatest risk from viruses which cause most harm during winter, including Covid-19, flu, and RSV.

“Eligible people should make sure they’re ready for winter by getting vaccinated,” Dr McLure said. “Getting your vaccines means your symptoms will be milder and you’ll recover faster if you run into these viruses this winter.”