Health leaders are urging people in the South West to book their winter vaccinations.
NHS leaders in the region are calling on eligible residents to come forward for their COVID-19 and flu jabs before the seasonal programmes come to a close.
The reminder comes amid a rise in respiratory viruses following the festive period, with flu hospitalisations up by 36 per cent and COVID-19 up by nearly seven per cent across the region in the latest weekly figures.
Dr Trevor Smith, regional medical director for NHS England South West, said: "It’s clear from the data that flu is still prevalent in the South West, with hospitals experiencing a rise in patients being admitted with flu and other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19.
"It’s important that we don’t get complacent as we head into the new year.
"Vaccines remain our best defence against flu and COVID-19, so we are urging everyone who is eligible to come forward before the seasonal offer comes to an end.
"Remember, if you are over 75 years old, you may be able to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccination at the same appointment, so be sure to ask when booking."
The COVID-19 autumn and winter jab campaign will end on Saturday, January 31, while the flu vaccine offer continues until Tuesday, March 31.
Appointments remain available at GP surgeries and community pharmacies.
COVID-19 jabs are available for adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and immunosuppressed people.
The flu vaccine is being offered to children, pregnant women, everyone aged 65 and above, under-65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers, close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals, and frontline health and social care staff.
RSV vaccinations are available for women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant, people aged 75 to 79, and those who turned 80 after September 1, 2024.
Elizabeth Smout, lead consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West, said: "People aged 65 and over, and others at higher risk, can still get a flu vaccine, which reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.
"Flu vaccination appointments are still available on the NHS national booking system, and anyone who hasn’t yet had their vaccine should take it up for the remaining winter to protect themselves – flu often circulates well into March.
"People are returning to work and school after Christmas, and this gives respiratory viruses like flu more chances to spread.
"If you have symptoms, including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable."
Eligible individuals can book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccines through the NHS National Booking Service.
Pregnant women are advised to speak with their maternity teams about RSV vaccination, and those aged 75 to 79 or who turned 80 after September 1, 2024, should consult their GP.
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