HEREFORDSHIRE and Worcestershire NHS Trust are urging people to have their flu and Covid-19 booster jab after an increase in hospitalisations.
A “worrying” number of children and adults have been admitted to hospital with serious respiratory infections across this winter period.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “There is plenty of flu vaccine available, and it is a good match for the strain currently circulating in the community.”
Flu can also lead to very serious complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Parents are particularly encouraged to have their two and three-year-olds vaccinated when invited by their GP practice.
The influenza vaccination for children is a quick, free and painless nasal spray that is safe and effective against the flu virus.
Other eligible people include unpaid carers, people who have lower immunity because they are pregnant or have a long-term condition, people with a learning disability, frontline health and care staff and those aged over 50.
Flu vaccinations can be booked through local pharmacies, and Covid-19 vaccination can be online.
