Health experts for NHS England – South West are encouraging people get protected and stay well this winter by getting both their Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations when they are invited to so.

Nearly 1.5 million people in the South West have had their Covid-19 autumn booster vaccination since the beginning of September, but with many of those eligible still yet to take up the offer, the NHS is highlighting the risks associated with contracting these potentially deadly viruses this winter without being vaccinated.

People who are at a higher risk from coronavirus are also more at risk of problems from flu and research shows that getting flu and coronavirus at the same time is more likely to make people seriously ill.

For people that are eligible, there may be opportunities to get both the flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster at the same time, and it is perfectly safe to do so. However, if this is not possible, people are encouraged to get each vaccination as soon as they can for full protection, and at the earliest opportunity, rather than waiting to get both at the same time.

Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and Immunisation said: “We are encouraging all eligible people to come forward to have their Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations at their earliest opportunity.

“Getting your flu and Covid vaccines are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe this winter.”

Sites across the region have been delivering Covid-19 autumn boosters since the campaign began over a month ago, while the flu jab is being offered at thousands of community pharmacies and GP surgeries across the South West.

Anyone who is eligible can book both their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations via the National Booking Service; by calling 119; through their GP practice; or by visiting a participating community pharmacy.

For the first time, the National Booking Service, which concentrated on Covid-19 vaccinations in the past, is trialling the ability for people to also book their flu vaccine online, with around 300 participating sites nationally.

For a full list of pharmacies offering a free NHS flu vaccination, including those not part of the NHS pilot, please visit the nhs.uk website.

Pharmacies are also taking appointment bookings for flu vaccination online.

You can 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.

NHS England – South West has created a short film to outline the importance of both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines this winter.