Push for Dorset people to get Flu and Covid jabs ahead of Christmas
We have until 19th December to book vaccines
Dorset's top doctors are urging us to make sure we've booked and had our Flu and Covid jabs before Christmas - as pressure on the NHS begins to increase.
The call comes as time is running out for us to book Flu and Covid jabs before the Festive season.
We have until 19th December to book immunisations online, on the NHS app or the 119 phone service.
NHS South West Medical Director, Dr Michael Marsh said:
"We are worried as we have been last winter, that with an expected high incidence of RSV and with flu and COVID in the background, if you were really unlucky to get combination of infections, your chance of getting sicker or greater. Hence for the vulnerable groups getting all of the vaccine is key.
"You can't have all of them at once, so, if you need to have all of them get on, book them and get them as soon as possible."
Dr Marsh added: "Besides protecting yourself, if you've got an avoidable condition, and now with the vaccine, you can argue it's avoidable to get the infection, it will take the pressure off
"Of course there are going to be other illnesses and conditions which mean people need to go to hospital and there will be a real challenge. You know, we've seen over the last couple of weeks pressures start to build up."
Ben Oakleigh is an Emergency Services Manager in the region and is also urging us to do our bit:
"Vaccines are not a compulsory thing. It's obviously up to everyone's choice. Our recommendation would always be that if you've been offered it, take it up, it will help protect you and your loved ones from getting those illnesses."