More than 1.5 million doses of Covid vaccine given to people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
NHS leaders are urging people who are eligible to get their Covid and flu vaccines this winter
More than 1.5 million doses of the Covid vaccination have been given to people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR).
It comes as NHS leaders in the area are urging eligible people to make sure they are fully protected against flu and covid this winter, by getting the vaccines as soon as they are invited.
Latest figures also show that more than half of eligible people aged 50+ have now received their booster jab.
The flu vaccination programme is also underway, with anyone aged 50+ able to have a free vaccine, as well as carers, pregnant women and adults with health conditions that mean they are vulnerable to flu.
Children aged two up to Year 11 in school can also have the flu vaccine, as well children aged two to 17 who have long-term health conditions.
Dr Sulaxni Nainani, GP and clinical lead for covid vaccinations with the LLR Clinical Commissioning Groups, said:
"There has never been a more important time to make sure you, and those you care for, are protected against serious illnesses such as the flu.
"We are asking everyone who is at risk of being affected by the flu to get vaccinated now.
"More people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"And with both flu and COVID-19 circulating, if you get them both at the same time, you're more likely to be seriously ill.
"By having the flu vaccination, you will help protect yourself and others from what can be a severe, and sometimes fatal, illness which could lead to hospital treatment.
"You will also be helping to protect the NHS from coming under pressure this winter."
The local COVID-19 vaccination programme is also said to be "continuing at pace", with the current focus on giving booster doses to eligible people.
But, first and second doses are still available.
Dr Nainani said:
"If you have still not come forward for your COVID-19 vaccine, it is not too late and I can’t emphasise strongly enough how vital it is that everyone who’s eligible has this life-saving vaccine.
"It will help prevent you from becoming seriously ill if you develop COVID-19.
"We are continuing to encourage eligible people to have their booster vaccine.
"It is proven to significantly increase protection against COVID-19 and will provide vital protection this winter.
"Some people may be eligible for both the flu and the COVID-19 booster vaccines; if you are offered both it's safe to have them at the same time.
"People aged 50 and over, health and care workers or people aged 16 and over who have certain health conditions are all eligible for the booster vaccine.
"Messages will come from ‘NHSvaccine’ and will include a link to the NHS website, so that you can book an appointment at a convenient site nearby.
"If you receive an invitation by text or letter you should come forward as soon as possible."
Children aged 12 to 15 in LLR can now have their COVID-19 vaccine at a local vaccination centre.
Parents and guardians can book an appointment on their behalf.
This is alongside the school vaccination programme, which has so far given 9,000 local young people the jab.
The vaccination programme within local schools will run until the end of November.
Dr Nainani said:
"There is a lot happening with vaccinations this winter and I appreciate that it might seem quite complicated.
"But the simple message is this: If you are invited to have a vaccine, for COVID-19 or flu, please do take up the offer, because this winter it is more important than ever before, that we are all fully protected."
Information on the COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be found on the national NHS website and local information can also be found online.