The NHS has been preparing for winter earlier than ever before ahead of what is expected to be another challenging season, with a combination of sustained demand for services, a new Covid variant and other seasonal viruses seeing demand for services rise further.

More than 3 million winter vaccinations (Covid and flu) have been delivered in the South East with others being encouraged to book.

According to NHS England’s latest data, more than 1.7 million flu vaccinations and 1.3 million Covid-19 jabs have been administered across the region since the programme started just over six weeks ago protecting people across the South East ahead of winter.

However, there is still time for others to get vaccinated and to get winter strong.

This weekend (28 and 29 October), there are more than 16,000 Covid-19 appointments up for grabs in the South East of England with people being encouraged to book via the national booking system (NBS), the NHS app or by calling 119. Ad vans will be out in force over the coming days in areas with the lowest uptake, reminding people that it is not too late to get booking.

People using NBS to book their Covid-19 vaccination can now also book their flu jab if eligible, making it easier and more convenient.

Care home residents were amongst the first to be offered vaccination ahead of winter when covid, flu and other viruses circulate most as people spend more time indoors.

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.

Reminders have also been sent to almost one million parents of 2 to 3 year olds to encourage them to book their child’s flu vaccination at their GP practice.

In addition to toddlers being offered the flu vaccination in the form of a simple nasal spray, primary and some secondary school age children are also eligible for the vaccine with parents and carers being urged to get them protected in time.

Bethany Kenny, Programme Director for the Covid vaccination programme in the South East said: “The NHS’s Flu and Covid-19 vaccination programmes continue to go from strength to strength in the South East, protecting those most at risk.

She added: “Not only will these vaccinations help to protect people and their loved ones from getting sick this winter, but they will also help to protect the NHS – we want to see more people getting their protection – so please come forward and book your vaccines today.”

People eligible during this year’s vaccination campaign include all aged 65 and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, those at increased risk because they are pregnant or have a certain underlying health condition, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.

Health chiefs are encouraging pregnant women to get their vaccines, which they can get at any stage of their pregnancy during the campaign. If mums-to-be are concerned or have any questions regarding these vaccinations, they should speak to their GP, midwife or hospital team.