Getting vaccinated is a personal choice but it is important that we all make a choice based on reliable and trusted information.

NHS England South East, is asking those eligible for covid-19 and flu vaccinations to help themselves stay well this winter and get vaccinated, with the help of a new animation launched today across social media – click here.

With covid, flu and other respiratory illnesses in circulation and infection rates on the rise, we are reminding people to get their jabs now to ensure maximum protection throughout the festive and New Year period.

In the South East of England, over 2.4 million people have already come forward for their covid-19 autumn top-up, making the region the second highest performing nationally. This is great news, with more and more people coming forward for their flu jab too.

To book your covid-19 booster online, visit nhs.uk/covidvaccine. Flu vaccinations continue to be booked through GP practices or by visiting one of the many participating community pharmacies. You can also call 119 if you need help making an appointment for either jab.

Caroline Reid, Regional Director of Commissioning and SRO for the Flu and Covid vaccination programme across the South East, said:

“Vaccinations remain our strongest weapon against these viruses so I would encourage everyone who is invited to book in when they can to get protected against both covid and flu.”

Those who are eligible to receive the covid-19 bivalent vaccine include those aged 50 and over, frontline health and social care workers, and those deemed at risk because, for example, they have either a weakened immune system, a learning disability or are pregnant.

Equally, anyone 50 and over, those with certain health conditions, being pregnant and living in long-stay residential care is entitled to receive the flu jab free on the NHS.

The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is available for children aged 2 and 3, all primary school children, some secondary school children and children aged 2 to 17 with certain health conditions.

For more information about the  flu vaccine or covid-19 booster, visit https://www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations