The NHS in Coalville and across Leicestershire has launched the free autumn and winter Covid-19, and flu vaccination programme.

From tomorrow (Thursday, October 3), all eligible people are being urged by health leaders to get vaccinated, especially those that would benefit from the vaccines the most, such as pregnant women, or those who are clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 and flu.

The eligible cohorts for both the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations as part of the autumn and winter vaccinations programme includes:

• Those aged 65 and over
• Residents in care homes for older people
• Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women,
• Frontline health and social care worker and staff in care homes for older adults.

For a comprehensive list of eligibility, click HERE.

Dr Virginia Ashman, clinical lead for the immunisation programme in LLR said: "It is important to get vaccinated regularly with both the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations to boost your protection, even if you have previously been vaccinated.

"The immunity you have built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time and may not be as effective against currently circulating variants of both viruses.

"Vulnerable people that contract Covid-19 or flu can become seriously unwell and could require hospital treatment.

"Getting vaccinated will provide the best possible protection against both viruses and is especially important to do before winter sets in.

"This is so that the vaccines can become effective within your body. We can't stress enough that vaccinations really do save lives."

Earlier this week, 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 across the UK.

All eligible people will be invited for their vaccinations by the NHS bookings team, or their GP practice. However, those that are eligible do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book an appointment or attend a walk-in clinic.

Vaccination appointments can be booked now using the National Booking service website or by calling 119.

A local online walk-in clinic finder also shows a list of all walk-in clinics available across the region, where people can attend with no appointment necessary.

Available walk-in clinics can be found HERE.

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine can check with their GP practice or by clicking here.

There must also be a gap of at least three months between Covid-19 vaccinations.