People in West Devon are being reminded by the NHS to get flu vaccinations as well as Covid boosters this autumn to give themselves the best possible protection against both illnesses this winter.

Flu can be deadly, the health authorities are reminding the public, and the Covid jab does not protect against flu so it is vital for people to have both vaccinations to reduce their chances of becoming unwell and needing hospital treatment.

‘Getting vaccinated helps you and the NHS, which is already facing extreme pressures in the run up to the very busy winter season,’ said an NHS spokesperson.

Each winter, on average, 11,000 people in England die from flu and new government research suggests that adults in England are severely underestimating the combined threat of Covid-19 and flu this winter.

The UK Health Security Agency has warned that there could be a significant flu surge this winter coinciding with continuing or rising Covid-19 cases.

This is due to colder weather, increased social contact indoors and expected lower natural immunity to flu due to lower levels in circulation last winter.

Darryn Allcorn, chief nurse for the NHS in Devon, said: ‘The NHS is incredibly busy and we need you to stand by us this winter.

‘Please have both the annual flu and booster Covid vaccinations if you are eligible.

‘If you still haven’t had your first or second dose of the Covid jab, it’s not too late.’