MORE than 190,000 people have received a flu vaccination by local health teams across the county, according to NHS Gloucestershire.

Health teams have also vaccinated more than 56,000 against Covid-19, but the health service is urging eligible residents to book their appointments.

Around 48 per cent of eligible people have received their free flu vaccination, but 185,000 people across the area have not.

Similarly, around 56 per cent of eligible people have received their Covid-19 vaccine, but 44,000 people across the area have not.

Dr Hein Le Roux, Churchdown GP and Place Clinical Director at NHS Gloucestershire ICB, said: “It’s encouraging to see hundreds of thousands of people taking steps to protect their health by having their winter vaccinations. If you’re eligible but haven’t yet been vaccinated, I would urge you to book your vaccine as soon as you can.

“Having your vaccinations lowers the chance of becoming seriously unwell and needing care in hospital. Protection from previous vaccinations reduces over time, so keeping it topped up when you’re eligible is important, even if you’ve had vaccines before.

“Don’t put off booking your appointment. Visit the NHS website or use the NHS App to check whether you’re eligible and arrange your vaccination. If you’re unable to book online, you can call 119 for free.”

The NHS said that in particular, parents and carers of two and three-year-olds are urged to book their child’s free flu vaccination to help protect them this winter. It said 44 per cent of two to three-year-old children have not yet received their flu vaccination.

Dr Hein Le Roux added: “Vaccinating your child will help to protect them as well as more vulnerable family and friends by preventing the spread of flu. The children’s flu vaccine is usually given as a quick, painless nasal spray. If your child hasn’t had theirs yet, please contact the NHS to book an appointment and help protect them this winter.”

More information about vaccinations is available online.