NHS Gloucestershire is set to begin the rollout of its flu and Covid 19 vaccinations this week.

With the bulk of vaccinations being administered by GP surgeries, the Trust is urging those eligible to get the jabs on the basis of the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The first wave of the program targets adults aged 65 and over, residents of care homes for older adults and those with certain underlying health conditions aged from six months to 64 years.

The move comes as the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (which monitors health statistics) points to a 31.5% rise in the incidence of Covid 19, with 530 UK cases being recorded in the latest seven-day period up to September 13. 

The figure is broadly acknowledged as a significant under-reporting of infection. The most recent week of recorded Covid 19 deaths came to 89 (to September 13).

As in previous years, the vaccines will also be offered to frontline health and social care staff.

A spokesperson said: "Local NHS services have started inviting people to book in for their vaccinations, the bulk of which will be delivered via GP surgeries from October 3 (Thursday)."

Flu vaccinations in the form of nasal spray for school-aged children got underway earlier in September, when the autumn term, while pregnant women have also been able to access their flu jab since the same date. Children aged two to three will also be invited for a nasal spray of the flu vaccine through their GP surgery.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so the Trust hopes that starting most adult vaccinations from October will ensure the most vulnerable are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

Dr Hein Le Roux, local GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NHS Gloucestershire, said: "Our vaccination teams are working hard across the county to invite people for their flu and Covid vaccination as soon as possible. If you're eligible for one or both vaccines, it's really important to take up the offer as soon as you're invited to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell."

 Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health, Gloucestershire County Council, added: "It's more important than ever that we all take steps to protect ourselves, which includes taking up the offer of vaccinations if eligible. Vaccines remain the best protection we have against seasonal viruses like COVID and flu. If you're eligible for the Covid, flu jab (or both) this winter, I urge you to take up the offer as soon as possible."

Nicola Hazle, Director of Nursing, Therapies and Quality at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We have a strong history of providing vaccinations to young people in Gloucestershire, and this year's rollout of the flu vaccine is going very well, thanks to the support of schools, parents and of course the young people themselves."

Parents, guardians or carers who had yet to be contacted woiuld be notified in the coming weeks using the health aiuthority'snew e-consent process, she said.

Matt Holdaway, Director of Quality and Chief Nurse, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: "Staff choosing to get their flu and Covid vaccines protects us and our families, ensuring we can stay healthy to deliver the best care and keep our patients safe during the winter months."

To get the vaccine, GP appointments are not available on the national booking system: patients receive an invite directly from local NHS services to book when it's their turn. You may be offered both Covid booster and flu jab at the same appointment subject to supplies and eligibility.

However, the national booking system (NBS) is also an option for booking an appointment at a number of community pharmacies across the county, via the NBS telephone number and website.