THE NHS in the South West is encouraging all eligible people to get their winter flu vaccine in the lead up to the Christmas period – and is making it easier than ever to find out where clinics are in your local area.

The country-wide vaccination drive kicks off this weekend as those eligible for their free flu jab are urged to get vaccinated now to get protected before the festive period, as the vaccine usually takes two weeks to be fully effective.

To make it as easy as possible for those eligible to get the jab while out looking for Black Friday deals or Christmas shopping, local teams are hosting clinics across key community areas such as family hubs, community centres and supermarkets over the next week.

So far in the South West there has been 1.8 million flu vaccines delivered to eligible people since this season’s rollout kicked off, with over 170,000 appointments still available across the next week.

Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for NHS England South West, said: ‘It can take up to two weeks after you receive your flu vaccination to fully benefit from it.

‘This is why we are advising all those who are eligible to get their flu vaccine sooner rather than later, to ensure the best protection before the festive season.

‘December is often the time of year where many of us begin to have gatherings with family and friends, and the weather can drive us indoors, increasing the risk of spreading viruses such as flu.

‘By getting your flu vaccination, you’re not only protecting yourself, but those around you as well’.

Those eligible include people aged 65 and over, those in clinical risk groups and close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women and children, care home residents and carers, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff.

Eligible adults can book their flu vaccine appointment now via the NHS App, their GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu, by calling 119 or by finding their nearest walk-in service. The local Devon vaccination calendar can be found here.

Parents are being reminded to complete their child’s school vaccination consent forms or to book an appointment for 2 to 3-year-olds, to ensure their child’s protection from flu ahead of the Christmas break.