Flu jab call as hospital admissions rise in Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Dr Kathryn Cobain said it was easy to get a vaccine appointment

There has been an increase in the number of people admitted to hospitals in Herefordshire and Worcestershire with serious respiratory infections.

They are said to have been caused by viruses, including flu and Covid-19.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, chief nursing officer for the counties, urged those at high risk to get their jabs.

Meanwhile, Wye Valley NHS Trust said the number of patients being treated for flu at Hereford's County Hospital was higher than ever seen before.

Dr Cobain said the available flu vaccine was a good match for the current strain.

Mask plea

Parents of two and three-year-olds have been asked to take up the offer of a flu nasal spray for their children.

Other people including unpaid carers, people who have lower immunity because they are pregnant or have a long-term condition, people with a learning disability, frontline health and care staff and those aged over 50 are also entitled to the free flu vaccine.

Dr Cobain said: "Flu can be an unpleasant illness for children, but it can also lead to very serious complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia."

The Wye Valley trust is asking people not to go into its hospitals or clinics if they are not feeling well, and to wear a mask if they do go inside one of its buildings.

The trust said it wanted to protect the patients it was caring for.