A new campaign supported by charities and healthcare organisations encourages those eligible in Devon to get vital protection with a free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccine ahead of winter.

It comes after the government has launched the biggest flu programme in history for 2021/22 and COVID-19 booster campaign is well under way to protect as many lives as possible.

New research suggests adults are underestimating the combined threat of COVID-19 and flu this winter

Those eligible for the free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster jab in Devon are being urged to book their appointments as soon as possible in a new film campaign just launched.

The new film sees media medics Dr Amir Khan, Dr Dawn Harper and Dr Karan Ranj explain why it is more important than ever for people to get their winter vaccines as soon as possible this autumn, as both viruses have the potential to cause serious illness and hospitalisation.

There could be a significant flu surge this winter coinciding with continuing or rising COVID-19 cases. This is due to colder weather which favours transmission, darker nights which mean increased social contact indoors where it is less well ventilated and expected lower immunity to flu due to lower levels in circulation last winter.

A recent survey seeking views from 3,000 participants found that 32 per cent were unaware that flu and COVID-19 can circulate at the same time, 26 per cent did not know that flu can be fatal and over 55 per cent underestimated the number of people who die from flu in an average year in England which is approximately 11,000.

Even those deemed high risk for covid-19 had low awareness of the possible dangers. Nearly a quarter of those over 50 (24 per cent) and 29 per cent of those with long term health conditions, who are a priority group for the COVID-19 booster and an eligible group for the flu vaccine, were unaware that flu and COVID-19 could circulate at the same time.

Dr Julie Yates, Screening and Immunisation Lead for the South West said: “The best protection we have against both flu and COVID-19 is to get vaccinated when called by the NHS."