Wiltshire urged to join hundreds of thousands getting winter jabs
Over 450,000 covid and flu vaccines have been handed out this autumn already
More than 450,000 vaccinations have been given to people across Wiltshire so far this autumn.
The figures, from the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, come as the NHS says over 10 million Covid-19 and flu jabs have been handed out across the nation.
The NHS has been working to avoid a tripledemic of Covid-19, flu and RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) cases.
In Wiltshire, vaccines are available in walk-in clinics, GP surgeries, pharmacies and community settings with the initial phase focussing on reaching those unable to leave their home without assistance, including housebound patients and care home staff and residents.
Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s been a good start to this year’s winter
vaccination programme in BSW, which means many of our most vulnerable people are already protected as we move towards the colder months.
“However, there are indications that some people at greater risk of getting seriously ill from winter viruses are not coming for their vaccines.
“I encourage health and social care workers, who may spend most of their time looking after others, to also look after themselves and get their vaccines. Also, those in clinically at-risk
groups who may not realise they are more vulnerable, such as those with asthma, weakened immune systems or heart, liver or kidney conditions."
Anyone invited to get a vaccine is urged not to put it off.