Health leaders in the South West are calling on eligible residents to get vaccinated before winter, warning that flu cases are already on the rise and increasing earlier than usual.
Flu cases are currently three times higher than this time last year, with nearly 200,000 vaccination appointments available across the region.
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.”
The NHS offers free flu vaccines to people aged 65 and over, under-65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers, close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals, frontline health and social care workers, children, and pregnant women.
So far, 1,586,981 flu vaccinations have been given across the South West.
Dr Fiona Neely, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West, said: “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.”
She also warned that flu rates are climbing among younger people and stressed the importance of vaccination to prevent serious illness and hospitalisation.
Parents are encouraged to complete school consent forms or book GP appointments for eligible children.
COVID-19 vaccinations remain available for adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and those who are immunosuppressed.
Since October, 549,897 COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in the South West.
For those people eligible for both COVID and flu vaccines, around three quarters received them at the same time.
