WITH AUTUMN in full swing and the risk of flu as prevalent as ever, the NHS are urging people with eligible health conditions to take up their free flu vaccination.

Evidence from the NHS shows that people who get flu and Covid at the same time are more likely to need to be hospitalised or to die.

Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications in people of all ages, particularly if you have some underlying health conditions.

Medical condition which can be exacerbated with flu include bronchitis, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cerebral palsy and immunosuppression.

With Covid-19 infections increasing once again, the health service say that now is the time to act.

Lead Consultant for NHS England and Improvement and Public Health England Dr Julie Yates said: “We know that people with some health conditions are at greater risk of complications if they catch flu and the consequences can be much more serious for them.

“If you have diabetes, a long term respiratory, heart, kidney, liver or neurological condition, are immunosuppressed, morbidly obese, have problems with your spleen, or a learning disability you are more likely to experience serious complications from flu and have an increased risk.

“It’s more important than ever this year that you contact your GP or local pharmacy and make time for an appointment to have your free vaccination to protect yourself this winter.”

This year, the programme has been expanded and the free flu vaccine will be offered to a record number of 30 million people to help protect as many as possible from flu and also to ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services.

Groups that are eligible for the free flu vaccination include patients aged from six months to less than 65 years with eligible health conditions, pregnant women, children age two and three, by booking with the GP and anyone over age 65 years.

School age children from reception to year 7 will receive their vaccination at school, and health and social care workers, including those employed through Direct Payment or Personal Health Budgets, are also eligible but may receive this through their employer, local GPs or pharmacies.