Category: News

A new health team is supporting frequent attendees of Derriford’s Emergency Department to help them address concerns driving them to attend regularly.

The Frequent Users Support and Empowerment (FUSE) service helps people who have gone to the emergency department five or more times in a year.

Practitioners work with them to look holistically at their lives and establish where they can get better help and support in the community. This could be organising treatment for substance abuse, attending a GP appointment with them so that their medication can be better managed or engaging in talking therapies to build their resilience and improve their mental health.

Service user Colleen said: “I wouldn’t be here without FUSE. It gave me support when I needed it most. I first met Mark [Advanced Health Improvement Practitioner, Mark Jones] from the FUSE team in Derriford Hospital when I was under police custody and had two police officers on either side of my bed.

“At my worst, I was drinking two litres of vodka a day and very angry at everything around me. But since that day, I have made changes to my life. I most recently (with the support of Mark and the drugs and alcohol charity Harbour) completed a full detox for alcohol, regulated my type one diabetes and my overall health is a lot better.

“Mark has always gone out of his way to help me get through things and has always been available when I have needed him.”

The NHS is urging those eligible for vaccination to come forward without delay before the National Booking Service closes this Thursday (19 December).

Latest data shows over half a million vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 have now been booked in the last five weeks alone, with the NHS today making a “last chance saloon” call with just three days left to pre-book a vaccine appointment.

This comes as NHS bosses warned of an earlier-than-usual wave of flu and seasonal viruses which has led to a 70% increase in flu cases in hospital across just 7 days, as the health service heads into winter busier than ever, with the latest data showing record A&E attendances and elective appointments.

When the online booking services close, it will be more challenging for many to protect themselves against this infection surge.

From 20th December, you will no longer be able to book winter vaccinations online or via NHS 119, however, you can still visit a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site or find a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine, but you may have further to travel further.

The flu and COVID-19 vaccines help to protect those at greater risk against severe illness and hospitalisations.

Latest data shows NHS staff have delivered a staggering 28 million vaccinations so far.

Still, with the latest data for flu showing a 38% increase in hospital admissions and an 80% increase in ICU admissions, there is still concern of a “quad-demic” impacting services this winter.

You can still call 119 free of charge if you need help finding sites still offering winter vaccinations.

Steve Russell, Chief Delivery Officer and National Director for Vaccinations and Screening at NHS England, said: “The NHS is heading into winter busier than ever before, and with a worrying, earlier-than-usual surge in seasonal viruses being seen, we’re now urging people to get vaccinated before it becomes less convenient on the 20 December.

“Vaccination is our best protection against the viruses that derail the things that we want to do, including starting our all-important New Year’s resolutions and seeing friends and family in the new year. It can also have a significant impact on our loved ones working in jobs that don’t provide sick pay.

“With just three days to go, we are now in the last chance saloon to book extra protection against ‘festive flu’ via the online service. It’s important to remember that after Thursday, you may have to travel quite a bit further to get jabbed, with appointments no longer in as convenient places like supermarkets or car parks.

“So, as our autumn vaccination programme closes, it’s important to come forward and get jabbed for yourselves and your loved ones.”

Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: “Flu cases are putting a lot of pressure on the NHS, so it’s vital those eligible for the vaccine come forward to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“We’ve already seen around 28 million jabs delivered for flu, Covid and RSV, but we know there’s more to do.

“The best Christmas present you can give to your loved ones is to get vaccinated – book your flu jab today and protect yourself over the festive season.”

Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: “With rates of flu increasing and winter vaccine uptake not yet reaching the high levels we aim for in some groups, it is vital that those eligible take up the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines before Christmas.  Taking up the vaccine will prevent putting your seasonal plans in jeopardy – and more importantly, prevent the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.”

All NHS frontline health workers have also been offered the COVID-19 and flu vaccines and encouraged to protect themselves and those they care for.

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those currently eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:

• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from reception to year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from year 7 to year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or personal health budgets, such as personal assistants.

The NHS in Devon is reminding residents of the importance of getting their COVID-19 vaccination to avoid becoming unwell over Christmas.

Since October 2024, more than 250,000 people across Devon have been vaccinated against COVID-19. However, the National Booking System will close on 20 December, which is why eligible people are being encouraged to book as soon as possible.

Outreach teams will offer ‘mop-up’ vaccinations through January and more details about how to book are in the table below.

Devon GP Dr Alex Degan, who is also Primary Care Medical Director at NHS Devon, said: “Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 this winter is really important to avoid getting seriously ill.

“COVID-19 can still be dangerous for those most vulnerable, so it is vital people come forward for a jab if eligible. You can book using the national booking system through the NHS app, by calling 119, or by visiting the NHS website where there is a list of walk-in sites across the country that you can go to without an appointment.”

More than 500,000 people in Devon are eligible for a COVID-19 jab this winter, including those aged 75 and over, people with a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents.

Dr Alex Degan, added: “It is fantastic that 10 weeks since the launch of the winter vaccination campaign, so many eligible people have already come forward to receive their vital protection.

“What we really need to see now is those eligible who haven’t done so yet to come forward to protect themselves and those around them from getting seriously ill. Nobody wants Covid for Christmas!”

If you have a question about your COVID-19 or flu vaccination, contact your local vaccination support line:

• East Devon, Mid Devon, Exeter and Torbay team: 07729 300349
• North Devon team: 07385 934988
• Plymouth and West Devon team: 07729 300350.

Further information on how you can book a COVID-19 vaccination can be found in the table below:

Service	Website
National Booking Service (NBS	Book, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online – NHS
Local walk-in clinics (Devon ICB)	Vaccination calendar
Pharmacy finder	Find a pharmacy offering walk-in COVID-19 vaccination services – NHS

Find out more about COVID-19 and whether you’re eligible for a vaccine.

The NHS in Devon is experiencing significant pressures on health services across the county today.

All partners across Devon’s health and social care system have been working hard to take action to mitigate the disruption during a period of winter pressures, including increased attendances at local Emergency Departments with people with minor ailments.

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “It’s vital that those who need medical help come forward as they usually would – using 999 and A&E in life threatening emergencies and 111 online for everything else, alongside their GP practices and pharmacies.

“Staff in our Devon hospitals are working hard to treat people as quickly and safely as possible, but there are things local people can do to help ease pressures and ensure that people with the most urgent needs can be cared for quickly.

“We are seeing increased numbers of people attending for minor injuries and ailments that can be quickly and easily treated elsewhere, so please choose the right service for your needs and only go to ED in an emergency.”

The message from the NHS in Devon is that urgent and emergency care is there when you need it, but please choose the right service for your needs. The advice for patients is to:

• Continue to call 999 in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
• Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111
• Please check local hospital trust websites for information on Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres. Further information can be found here: Health Pressures – One Devon
• If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.

• Play your part this winter by taking action to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. A first step is making sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked.
• Please pick up loved ones who are ready to be discharged from hospital.
• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Pharmacists can now provide advice and treatment for seven common illnesses including earache, sinus infection and sore throat. Details about local pharmacies be found via the interactive map here: Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Local people can also help the NHS by:

• Not visiting loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus
• Getting your flu vaccine from your GP practice or local pharmacy. Some people are eligible for the free vaccine, including over-65s, people with long term conditions like stroke or heart disease and pregnant people
• Getting the COVID-19 vaccine. People who are eligible for the vaccine are encouraged to attend one of the many walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics across Devon. No appointment is needed.

The NHS’s top A&E doctor is urging the public to use 111 services this winter, as the health service launches its annual campaign with adverts across online video, radio, podcasts and social media.

The campaign comes as the NHS ramps up its plans to deliver the safest possible care this winter, including the delivery of millions of winter vaccines, smarter use of data, and more care in the community including virtual wards and urgent community response teams.

Professor Julian Redhead reiterated long standing NHS advice for people to use 999 or A&E services for life threatening emergencies and serious injuries, and to otherwise ‘get to the help they need’ by calling 111 and using 111 online or via the NHS App.

It is estimated that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere.

While nearly one in six (16.3% or 124,038) 999 calls last month were completed with clinical advice over the phone, up by more than 150% since before the pandemic (6.3% in October 2019) as the NHS recruited more senior clinicians to call centres.

NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way for people to get urgent help for a wide range of health problems from the comfort of their own home, avoiding an unnecessary A&E trip or 999 call.

It can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. If needed it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or provide self-treatment advice over the phone.

The 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While people should always call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk, NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way to get urgent help in other situations.

Pressure has risen across other parts of the NHS with the health service going into winter busier than ever before, after a record few months of A&E and ambulance demand.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “As we approach the busiest time of year for A&Es, we want to make sure that all patients are getting the safest possible care which is why we are launching our campaign encouraging everyone to ‘get to the help they need’ by using NHS 111 online or telephone services this winter.

“We know that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances could be better treated elsewhere, as well as one in six calls to 999 just needing advice over the phone, so I really want to encourage everyone to use our free, around the clock 111 service that can give millions of people this winter fast, safe and easy access to the advice or treatment they need.

“Our plans for winter include easier access to urgent treatment centres and community care, and so whether 111 gives you over the phone clinical advice, directs you to a pharmacist, GP team or community provider, or arranges a call with a nurse or paramedic, by using it you can help us ensure everyone is getting the care they need.

“And as ever, it is vital that the public use 999 and A&E in life threatening situations.”

Earlier this year the NHS started offering crisis mental health support through NHS 111, with people of all ages able to select a mental health option when calling to speak to a trained mental health professional.

The change is aimed at improving mental health provision and providing patients with the care they need in a timely manner.

People who need help in another language can call 111 and ask for an interpreter, British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact 111 using the NHS 111 BSL interpreter service by visiting 111.nhs.uk, and text relay users can call 18001 111.

For more information go to www.nhs.uk/111.

The NHS in Devon has launched local engagement around the 10 Year Health Plan, which will run in parallel with, and support, the national Change NHS campaign.

Between November 2024 and 28 February 2025 members of the public and patients in Devon, as well as NHS staff and healthcare experts, are being invited to share their experiences, views and ideas for improving the NHS. 

People are being encouraged to fill in the local survey even if they have already completed the national one. This is to ensure that insights from local people can be used to improve local services.

Dr Alex Degan, Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Devon, said: “Alongside the biggest national conversation about the future of the NHS since it began, local people in Devon are being called upon to share their experiences of our health service to help shape the government’s 10 Year Health Plan and local NHS improvement programmes in Devon.” 

There is a dedicated webpage, which includes further information about how people can get involved and a link to the Devon survey. It will also include details about engagement events across the county and online.

The local and national public engagement exercises will help shape the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which will be published in spring 2025 and will be underlined by three big shifts in healthcare:

• hospital to community
• analogue to digital
• sickness to prevention 

Dr Degan continued: “Too many patients are waiting too long for the care they need and we must do better. NHS staff are facing an unprecedented number of challenges and are having to manage while often using outdated technology, seeing patients in aging buildings, and struggling to discharge patients when they’re ready to leave due to pressure in social care – all of which means patients are not getting the service they deserve.

“So, it is vital the health service innovates and adapts – as it has always done throughout its 76-year history – to design and deliver an NHS fit for the future.”

The Devon engagement will be supported by Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay and voluntary organisations in Devon. For people who are unable to submit their feedback online, Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay is offering to collate feedback over the phone. People can access this support by calling 0800 520 0640.

Dr Kevin Dixon, Chair of Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said: “Healthwatch are really pleased to have supported the development of this engagement programme for Devon. We are excited to be collaborating with NHS Devon on such an important conversation and we want to encourage the Devon population to get involved in this engagement programme and have their voice heard as part of the national 10-year health plan development.”

As part of the engagement, the Government and NHS Devon are also keen to hear from people who work in the NHS and in social care about their experiences.

Dr Degan added: “There is no NHS without the people who work in it, so we are asking staff to help us in our mission to build an NHS fit for the future.”

Patients, the public and staff can get involved in two ways:

• Submit ideas and feedback through a survey specifically for health and care staff on the Devon webpage.
• Join events taking place across the county and online. These will be focussed on the three big shifts in healthcare to make the NHS fit for the future – moving it from analogue to digital, hospital to community, and sickness to prevention.

Information about all the opportunities for patients, staff and the public to get involved is available on the webpage and will continue to be updated over the coming months.

Dr Degan concluded: “Whether you have a little to say or a lot, your views, experiences and ideas will shape immediate steps and long-term changes for the NHS.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to make the NHS fit for the future and we need your views.”

As the flu season gets going, expectant mothers are one of the most at-risk groups and are being urged to prioritise vaccinations to protect themselves and their unborn children.

Devon GP, Dr Alex Degan, said: “Pregnant women are strongly advised to receive vaccinations against flu, RSV, and whooping cough.

“Pregnancy alters how the body responds to infections, increasing the risk of complications from these viruses.

“Contracting these illnesses during pregnancy can lead to severe outcomes such as premature birth or low birth weight for the baby.

“The vaccines not only protect expectant mothers but also confer immunity to their unborn babies, safeguarding them during their first few months when they are most vulnerable.

“Please don’t make the mistake of thinking ‘it’s just flu, whooping cough or RSV’. Individually, these viruses can cause serious complications for pregnant women, but together they can be even more dangerous.

“The flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy and can be administered alongside other vaccines, if needed.

“The best time for pregnant women to receive the whooping cough vaccine is after 16 weeks of pregnancy, while RSV is recommended at 28 weeks.”

Dr Degan’s plea has been backed by local midwives, who say: “There’s good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they catch flu, whooping cough or RSV, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

“The antibodies you develop after getting the vaccines are passed to your baby, offering crucial protection that lasts for the first few months of their lives. So please don’t delay – now’s the time to get your jabs.”

Pregnant women should consult their midwives or GPs about receiving the recommended vaccines as soon as possible.

More information about vaccinations in pregnancy can be found on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vaccinations/

A short video from a local midwife is available to view here, which features advice on which vaccines to have during pregnancy and at which stages they should be given.

The rollout of COVID and flu vaccines for older adults, care home residents and those with long term health conditions kicked off this month as the NHS drive to protect against a ‘tripledemic’ of viruses this winter continues.

The NHS in Devon is preparing for the winter period and encouraging local people to make best use of health services and protect themselves with winter vaccinations to get ‘winter strong’.

Those eligible can book appointments, with hundreds of thousands of slots still available via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy and there are walk in sites available to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The NHS has already invited over 11 million people to come forward and GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both vaccines, but those that are eligible do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book.

Flu vaccinations for children and pregnant women started on 1 September, to help stop the virus spreading as schools returned.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January so starting adult vaccinations from October ensures those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors, and viruses spread.

Earlier this month, new figures from UKHSA showed that over the past two winters there have been at least 18,000 deaths associated with flu and over 19,500 deaths associated with COVID-19.

The Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) jab is also available to those aged 75 to 79 and to pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect their child, with evidence showing it could prevent thousands of A&E attendances, hospital admissions, and serious cases this winter alone.

Dr Alex Degan, NHS Devon’s Medical Director for Primary Care, said: “The NHS in Devon has been preparing for the busy winter period and we’re asking everyone to ‘help us help you’ by choosing the right treatment options.

“With new figures showing thousands of deaths associated with COVID and flu in recent years, and increasing cases of the viruses locally, it is clear that the threat of winter viruses is all too real, and it is vital that anyone eligible takes up the offer to get vaccinated.

“GP practices, pharmacies and other NHS teams offer quick and easy appointments, so if you have not booked yet then please do using the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 – it could keep you out of hospital this winter.

“With the risk of a ‘tripledemic’ of winter viruses – COVID, flu and RSV – if you are pregnant or aged 75 to 79, it is also so important that you join those who have protected themselves against RSV in the last month to boost you or your child’s protection against a very nasty illness.”

To reduce the risk of spreading viruses:

• wash your hands often with warm water and soap
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, not into your hand)
• bin used tissues as quickly as possible
• try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.

As well as getting vaccinated, there are simple actions local people can take to help reduce pressure on busy hospitals this winter. The message is that urgent and emergency care will be there for you, but please choose the right service for your needs. The advice is to:

• Make sure you have ordered and collected any repeat medicines, especially if you are travelling
• Continue to call 999 in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
• Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111
• Play your part by taking simple steps to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. A first step is making sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked
• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications.
• If you develop flu or covid, but have mild symptoms, you shouldn’t need to seek medical advice. Rest, stay hydrated and keep warm.

Background:

• For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.
• For local healthcare information, visit the One Devon website https://onedevon.org.uk/our-work/services-and-support/health-pressures/

A new community interest company – Inclusion Health Devon (IncluDe) has been awarded the contract to provide primary medical care services to the homeless and vulnerably housed in Exeter and Barnstaple. 

Inclusion Health Devon took over the running of the Clock Tower Surgery in Exeter and has now established a permanent service at the Freedom Centre in Barnstaple, following the success of the previous pilot project.

They are a newly formed Community Interest Company (CIC) set up by clinicians (GPs and nurses) from both the Clock Tower Surgery in Exeter and Freedom Centre service in Barnstaple, who have many years of experience in delivering care to inclusion health groups.

By uniting the two services, the organisation can offer enhanced, specialist care, ensuring that patients benefit from the collective expertise and collaborative approach across both sites.

Patients are being reassured that it’s business as usual at the practice and they should continue to access their practice in the normal way.

Patients in Barnstaple are already seeing the benefits of this new service, with several expressing that the care provided has been “a lifeline” and that it’s “the only service that truly understands our needs.”

Dr Alex Degan, Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Devon, said: “We are pleased to announce that Inclusion Health Devon have taken over the running of Clock Tower Surgery and the healthcare services at Freedom Centre in September, providing much more stability for the future.

“We are working closely with Inclusion Health Devon to ensure a smooth transition in the handover, with minimal disruption to patients and staff.  Patients do not need to take any action and should continue to access the service as usual.”

In the longer term, there is a wider ‘Devon ambition’ being developed, bringing together key organisations, agencies, and voluntary sector to work together to improve the health and social wellbeing of this client group and improve access equitably across Devon in primary care.  

The service differs to that of standard general practice and offers a bespoke service specifically tailored to people experiencing homelessness. It aims to:

• Improve health outcomes and reduced mortality rates
• Increase engagement with, and trust of, health services
• Increase uptake of vaccination and screening offers, reducing incidence of infectious diseases
• Successfully transfer patients to mainstream general practice, with continued engagement with primary care services.
• A reduced level of ED attendances and emergency admissions
• Reduce average duration of these admissions through multi-agency discharge planning
• Reduce emergency (unplanned) admissions into mental health secondary care services
• Deliver joint care plans

Dr Sam Cole at Inclusion Health Devon, said: “We are delighted to be awarded this contract and look forward to sharing our expertise across both sites, continuing to work our partners to provide high quality services for vulnerable people.”

Millions of people in England can now book flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as the NHS rolls out additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter.

Anyone eligible can book their vaccinations from 9am via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online.

The vaccinations, which will be available from 3 October, provide vital protection to keep people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during busy winter months.

This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended adults aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes and those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years will be eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Government has also decided that, as in previous years, the COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in older adult care homes being offered the COVID-19 jab.

Eligible people will begin receiving invitations from the NHS to get their jabs, while GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both vaccines. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

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.

It is hoped this year’s vaccination campaigns will help avoid a “tripledemic” of RSV, covid and flu colliding during an already busy time for frontline staff.

For those adults eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, the NHS will make them available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit. However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations for children started in September for the new school year, to help stop the virus spreading, and pregnant women have been able to get their jab from 1 September.

Michelle Kane, Director for Vaccinations at NHS England, said: “The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be life-saving and are our best defences against these viruses – and it takes just a few minutes to book online or via the NHS App or 119, so I would urge everyone eligible to do so, to protect themselves and people around them.

“We know that these vaccinations help more people keep well and stay out of hospital during the winter months, which is especially important at a time when the NHS is expected to be under a lot of pressure. It is therefore vital that everyone eligible comes forward when invited.”

Dr Julie Yates, UKHSA Deputy Director for Immunisation Programmes, said: “Many people who are more vulnerable to getting a severe illness from respiratory viruses like flu and COVID-19 are not aware they are at greater risk and eligible for these vaccines. If you are pregnant or have a certain long-term condition you should be offered the vaccines – if unsure, please speak with a trusted nurse or doctor.

“Older people and younger children with flu are also much more likely to get hospitalised and should also get the vaccines they are eligible for as soon as possible to ensure they are protected as we head into winter.”

The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative.

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:

From 3 October:

• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.

Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:

• residents in a care home for older adults
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women
• frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults

From 1 September:

• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years