A RECORD number of people are being offered the flu vaccine to ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services.

Warrington Borough Council is calling on all eligible people to get vaccinated as new research from Public Health England (PHE) shows people are at a much higher risk of severe illness if they test positive for both flu and Covid-19.

Flu is a serious illness that kills on average 11,000 people in England each year and hospitalises many more.

Adults at high risk from flu are also most at risk from being extremely unwell if they catch coronavirus, meaning the flu vaccine, free to at-risk patients, is more important than ever.

This year, all primary school children and, for the first time, year seven children will be offered the flu ‘nasal spray’ in schools to reduce community transmission.

Children aged two and three will be offered the vaccine through their GP.

The most vulnerable, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women, will be offered the flu vaccine first through their GP or pharmacy.

The flu vaccine will also be offered to household contacts of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for.

Once uptake has been maximised in the most at-risk groups, the newly eligible 50-64-year olds will be invited for vaccination later in the season.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing said: "It is vital that people take advantage of their free flu jab if they are eligible to do so, especially this year.

"If infected by both flu and coronavirus, you could be at risk of more severe illness.

"NHS workers and urgent care staff can also get a free flu vaccine this year to help protect themselves and the people they care for.

"We urge everyone to take flu seriously, this year more than ever, and to make sure that you have the vaccine if you are able."

Dr Andrew Davies, clinical chief officer for NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group said: "This year, it is more vital than ever that we protect as many people as possible from flu which will also help to ease pressures on our local NHS services.

"If you are eligible to have the free flu vaccination, please remember it is the best protection for you and those around you.

"Our local GP practices are currently working hard to contact patients over 65 and those in ‘at risk’ groups to arrange for them to receive their flu vaccine.

"If you are aged between 50-64, and not in a medically defined ‘at risk group’, please do not contact your surgery regarding a flu immunisation just yet.

"You will be contacted as soon as national guidance changes and when those identified as most at risk have been vaccinated."

Visit nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine to find out more about at-risk groups, the flu vaccine and where to get it.