NHS urges people to get vaccinated against flu

NHS Somerset is urging people to get vaccinated this winter

The NHS has urged people in Somerset to take advantage of the county's vaccination plan.

People can now book their vaccinations against flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus on the NHS website or through the official NHS app.

Caroline Upton, vaccination service lead for the county, said that vaccinations are the "single best way" for people to protect themselves and other family members.

Dr Rob Weaver, GP and deputy chief medical officer at NHS Somerset, added: "We do see sadly every year lots of people get flu and Covid-19 and it really does cause a lot of hospitalisations. It puts pressure on the system."

"This is something we do around this sort of time every year. It's so important to get people vaccinated as early as possible, to get protection over winter," Mr Weaver added.

"Now the lovely warm summer is coming to an end we want people to think ahead.

"It [vaccination] frees up hospitals to look after everyone else. It's an easy, simple thing to do and it can really make a difference."

Ms Upton added that 1,780 people in Somerset were hospitalised over the last couple of winters, as a result of having flu and Covid-19.

"By getting your vaccinations, you're not only reducing your own risk of serious illness but also helping to protect the NHS and those who care for you," Ms Upton said.

People who are eligible will get a text from their GP or through their NHS app.

There is also a dedicated page on the NHS website to book vaccines.