People urged to get flu vaccination before winter

People are encouraged to get heir national flu vaccination and Covid-19 booster programme early

A hospital trust is encouraging people to get their flu vaccinations and Covid-19 boosters before the winter months.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said the best time to get vaccinations was "well before winter illnesses peak".

Chief medical officer Vanessa Purday said the flu vaccine prevented between 96,000 and 120,200 hospitalisations in England last year.

"For the Royal Devon, this meant we were able to keep more people out of hospital and well in the home," she said.

"I strongly encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated this season.

"Don't wait until we reach the winter peak, get your vaccinations early."

Those eligible for free vaccinations this year include adults aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older adults and individuals who are immunosuppressed, aged six months and over.

The foundation said those eligible would be invited to get their boosters but other people would have to wait to book.

Chief nursing officer Carolyn Mills said flu viruses change from one winter to the next and they were updated each season to give the "best possible protection".