Plea ahead of autumn Covid-19 and flu jab campaign

Health bosses said the jabs would help protect against new strains of Covid-19 and flu

A free Covid-19 and flu vaccination programme has started across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

NHS bosses said they were particularly keen for pregnant women, over 65s, care home residents and clinically-vulnerable people to get jabs.

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLRICB) said it wanted to protect people going into the winter months.

NHS staff and GP surgeries are contacting people who are eligible to be vaccinated so they can book appointments or attend walk-in sessions or get vaccinated at pharmacies.

Dr Virginia Ashman, clinical lead for the autumn immunisation programme, said: “Vulnerable people that contract Covid-19 or flu can become seriously unwell and could require hospital treatment.

"Getting vaccinated will provide the best possible protection against both viruses and is especially important to do before winter sets in.

"This is so that the vaccines can become effective within your body.

"We can’t stress enough that vaccinations really do save lives.”

Dr Ashman added: “Older people, pregnant women and those in a clinical risk group are affected more by Covid-19 and flu and that’s why we’re encouraging them and all eligible people to get vaccinated as soon as possible."