With winter only a few weeks away, the South West’s top health bosses are warning people to get important protection from the flu virus as soon as possible, with cases in the region increasing.

Eligible people, especially under 65s with long term health conditions, are being urged to come forward now so they are fully protected ahead of the seasonal flu peak.

Flu cases are currently three times higher than this time last year. To ensure people in the South West can get their vaccinations to protect themselves and those around them, nearly 200,000 flu vaccination appointments are available at GPs and community pharmacies.

Flu vaccines are available for free on the NHS for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women. So far in the South West, 1,586,981 flu vaccinations have been administered.

Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for NHS England South West, said: “This year we are seeing levels of flu increase earlier than usual.

“The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from flu, and with the vaccine taking up to two weeks to offer the best protection, it’s important that those most at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu get their vaccination as soon as possible.

“We have almost 200,000 appointments for flu available over the next week in the South West. If you or your child is eligible, please do take up this opportunity and get your vaccination booked in.”

During the winter months, the NHS often sees a sharp rise in people with respiratory infections. This can particularly impact those with long term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, who need to take extra precautions to manage their health during the winter.

Winter illnesses can aggravate any existing health problems and make people more vulnerable to problems that affect their breathing and whilst most minor illnesses can be managed at home, it is important to know when to seek help. When feeling worse it is important to get help sooner before it leads to serious illness.

Everyone’s experience of living with a long-term condition is different, but there are few things people can do to help them manage their condition and having winter vaccinations is one of them. Last year, almost half a million people in the South West with long term health conditions, didn’t have the flu vaccine.

Dr Fiona Neely, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West added: “Every year we see many people across the South West with long-term health conditions ending up seriously ill in hospital from flu, and tragically some dying, when for most this could be prevented with a vaccine.

“If you have a long-term health condition like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or a condition affecting your immune system, you are eligible for a free flu vaccine. With nearly half a million people in our region still unprotected, I urge everyone eligible to come forward now.

“Flu is continuing to increase among younger people and with this upward trend continuing, it’s more important than ever that those eligible for a free flu vaccine come forward.

“Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself from serious illness and hospitalisation. Eligible groups can book their appointment through the NHS national booking system and parents should ensure school consent forms are completed or GP appointments are booked for younger children.

COVID-19 vaccinations are also available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.

549,897 COVID-19 vaccinations have also been delivered since October, and for those people eligible for both COVID and flu vaccines, around three quarters received them at the same time in a bid to make every contact count for those who need it most to receive their winter vaccines.

Over 75s and those that are immunosuppressed can book their COVID-19 vaccine directly with their local pharmacy, GP practice, via the NHS app, online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid or via 119.

If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine you can book an appointment with your GP practice or at a local pharmacy. You can also book via the NHS App.

More information on recommended vaccinations can be found at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations.