Everyone who is eligible for a Covid booster or flu vaccination this winter will receive an invitation from local NHS services to book a slot soon.

GPs and community NHS teams across the county are offering the Covid and flu vaccines to people who are most at risk of getting very ill this winter.

The NHS in Gloucestershire is asking people to wait for their invitation and not to contact GP surgeries at this time.

Around 35,000 doses of the Covid booster have been delivered in Gloucestershire since the autumn programme began earlier this month.

Local GP services will be inviting thousands more eligible people to book an appointment at clinics across the county in the coming weeks. People do not need to travel outside the county for their Covid-19 vaccinations if they do not wish to.

There are several ways to access winter vaccinations in Gloucestershire:

1. Via appointment at a GP-led primary care network vaccination centre. These appointments are not available on the national booking system (NBS). People will receive an invite directly from local NHS services to book when it's their turn. Many people will be invited to the same local vaccination centre where they've had previous doses of the Covid vaccine, but in some areas of the county people may be able to book an appointment at their GP surgery. People may be offered their Covid booster and flu jab at the same appointment, subject to supplies.

2. Via the national booking system (Covid booster only) - some people may choose to book an appointment at one of 10 community pharmacies across the county using the NBS telephone number and website (www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination or call 119).

3. At a drop-in clinic - some drop-in clinics may be arranged as the rollout of the vaccination programme advances. Please note, flu vaccines may not be available at all of these clinics, so please check criteria and eligibility before attending.

Dr Andy Seymour, chief medical officer, NHS Gloucestershire, said: "We have a strong history of providing vaccinations to our residents, with our incredible teams well practiced at delivering a large number of vaccinations quickly.

"Over the last few weeks, there has been a big focus on vaccinating care home residents and some of the oldest and most vulnerable in our population to help protect them from severe illness this winter.

"If you're eligible for one or both of these vaccines, it's really important to take up the offer as soon as you're invited, to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell."