THE second phase of the winter vaccination programme has begun for those in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Vaccinations against flu and Covid-19 are now available for people aged 65 and over, those with a weakened immune system, carers, care home residents and front-line workers in social care and health care.

Following the initial launch last month, inviting pregnant women and children for their flu vaccinations, from Thursday, October 3, anyone eligible for vaccinations can book online at www.nhs.uk, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119.

In addition, the NHS will be sending out invitations to those eligible to get their jabs, while GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer the vaccines.

Dr Barry Coakley, deputy chief medical officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “With winter approaching, it’s more important than ever to ensure that those most at risk are protected from serious illness.

“Both flu and Covid-19 can cause serious problems for even the healthiest of adults, and as the two viruses tend to become more prevalent during the colder months, when more of us spend more time indoors, it’s really important that those most at risk get protected.

“I would encourage everyone eligible to book their vaccines as soon as possible.”

For the first time, the NHS is also offering vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. The jab, introduced earlier this month, is available to those aged 75 to 79, and is being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.

Wherever possible, people should be able to receive the flu jab at the same time as their Covid-19 vaccine. Getting protected against both flu and Covid-19 on a regular basis helps to keep immunity levels, which may have dipped since previous vaccinations, topped up.

Flu can affect people of all ages, and those not entitled to a free NHS vaccine, such as the under-65s, can still get protected by purchasing the vaccine from a high street chemist or a supermarket with an in-store pharmacy.

More information on both flu and Covid-19 can be found at www.nhs.uk, and further details of local health and care services are available from www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth.