Eligible members of the public can get their flu vaccination from today, Thursday 1 October.

The best time to get vaccinated is well before winter illnesses peak, and the Trust is encouraging everyone to get their #JabDone early.

Vanessa Purday, Chief Medical Officer at the Royal Devon said: “Last year, the flu jab kept around 100,000 people out of hospital and saved over 7,000 lives across England.

“Winter vaccinations are vital for protecting the whole community and keeping our most vulnerable out of hospital.

“I strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated this season. Don’t wait for the winter spike - get your jab done early."

The vaccine programme focuses on those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill.

You can get a free flu vaccination this season if you:

• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)

• are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions

• are pregnant

• live in a care home

• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance

• live with someone who has a weakened immune system

• are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter.

Carolyn Mills, Chief Nursing Officer at the Royal Devon said: “Getting your flu jab every year is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you from winter illnesses.

“We hope to see as many people as possible getting their vaccination early, before flu starts circulating in our community.”

The COVID-19 vaccine is also being offered to eligible groups. You can get a free COVID-19 vaccination this season if you:

• are aged 75 years and over

• live in a care home

• are aged 6 months and over and immunosuppressed.

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccination here: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/COVID-19-vaccine/

If you are eligible for either of these vaccines you will be invited to come forward, but you do not need to wait for this to book. The booking service is now open and will remain open for COVID-19 appointments until 31 January 2027, and for flu vaccinations until 31 March 2027.

How to get your vaccination:

• download the NHS App here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/setting-up/downloading/ and make an appointment

• book, change or cancel a flu vaccination appointment here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination/

• book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment here: www.nhs.uk/get-vaccination

• find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/find-a-walk-in-covid-19-vaccination-site/

• call 119 for free if you can’t get online (translators are available)

• You can use text phone 18001 119 or the NHS British Sign Language service at www.signvideo.co.uk/nhs119.

• if you get your care at home, ask your GP surgery for a home visit.