Vulnerable people in Dorset are being urged to get their COVID-19 and flu jabs before winter kicks in.
Vaccination appointments are available now at a number of GP sites, pharmacies and vaccination centres across the county.
Anyone aged 65, as well as people with certain underlying health conditions or who live with someone with a weakened immune system, are being urged to top up their protection against the viruses.
Pregnant women, carers and frontline health and social care staff are also eligible and are encouraged to get their jabs as soon as they can.
The COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Dorset is well underway, with care home residents and those who are housebound among the first to receive their autumn boosters.
More than 50,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been given so far, with many people opting to have their flu jab at the same time.
People can book their COVID-19 jabs now through the National Booking Service, using the NHS app, or by calling 119. A full list of sites offering COVID-19 vaccinations is available online at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-service.
You can book flu jab appointments online at your nearest pharmacy or by using the NHS app. For more information on how to get your flu vaccine in Dorset visit www.publichealthdorset.org.uk/-/flu
Some GP practices offering the COVID-19 and flu vaccines will invite eligible people directly.
Dr Paul Johnson, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Dorset, said:
“It’s great to see so many people coming forward in Dorset to top-up their protection against both COVID and flu.
“With concerns arising over new COVID variants and flu in circulation this winter, it’s more important than ever for those most at risk to get protected.
“Our immunity from these viruses fades over time, so the vaccines continue to provide us the best protection. So even if you have received the vaccine before, I encourage everyone eligible to get both booster jabs as we head into the colder months.
“We have plenty of appointments available across the county for people to access from now until mid-December.”
Parents of children aged two and three years (on 31 August) can also book a nasal spray flu vaccine for their child at their local GP surgery. Children from reception age to school year 11 will be offered a nasal spray flu vaccine through their school, with parental consent.
