People in Devon, who are most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19, are being encouraged to book their autumn booster vaccines.

Having the COVID-19 autumn booster and seasonal flu vaccines will help to protect people from becoming seriously ill this winter, which in turn will reduce pressure on the NHS during, what is expected to be, a very challenging winter.

Clinics offering the latest vaccine are being held at supermarkets, sports grounds, pharmacies and places of worship. People in north Devon with mobility problems can also make use of drive-thru vaccine clinics, which are being run in Barnstaple.

Leigh Mansfield, Programme Director of Vaccine Services, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “The autumn COVID-19 booster, along with the seasonal flu vaccination, can help protect people against becoming seriously ill this winter. If you’re eligible, you’ll be invited for your booster soon – please come forward when that happens.”

Darryn Allcorn, NHS Devon’s Chief Nurse said: “Our teams have given more than three million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to people across Devon since the programme began back in December 2020 and well over four in five eligible people received a spring booster earlier this year.

“As with previous doses, those most at risk from serious illness are being called forward first, with people able to book in online or through 119 as long as it has been three months since their last dose.”

Care home residents and staff have been among the first to receive the COVID-19 autumn vaccine in Devon and hundreds more people have already been vaccinated in their own homes.

Caroline White, Deputy Manager of Honiton Manor care home, said: “It’s vital that we do all we can to protect our residents against flu and COVID-19 this autumn and winter. We’re delighted to welcome NHS vaccinators to our home so that our residents can have their autumn booster.”

Immunosuppressed people and people aged over 65, can currently book in for the first ever variant-targeted COVID-19 vaccine on the NHS using the National Booking Service. Walk in clinics are also advertised online. Frontline health and care workers are also eligible for the vaccination through their employer. People need to leave at least three months from their last booster. You can check whether you are eligible here.

The NHS is also rolling out the seasonal flu vaccine and encouraging eligible people to take up the offer where possible.

The flu vaccine is offered free to frontline health or social care workers and to those who are: 50 and over, have certain health conditions, pregnant, are in long-stay residential care or the main carer for an older or disabled person.

People who are eligible for both the flu and COVID vaccines may be offered both jabs at the same time subject to supply.