Thousands of people across Oxfordshire can pre-book their flu and Covid vaccinations as the NHS rolls out additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter.

As of 9am on Monday this week, anyone eligible for the vaccinations can now book via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they cannot get online.  The vaccinations will be available from October 3.

In addition, the NHS will be sending out invitations to those eligible to get their jabs, while GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer the vaccines.

READ MORE: Singer Tony Hadley backs successful bid to buy village pub

These vaccinations provide vital protection, helping to prevent serious illnesses and reduce hospital admissions during the busy winter months.

Caroline Reid, director of commissioning for the south east who heads up the flu and Covid programme regionally, said: “With winter approaching, it’s more important than ever to ensure that those most at risk are protected from serious illness.

“By offering flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, the NHS is taking vital steps to safeguard the health of vulnerable individuals and reduce pressure on our healthcare services during the busiest months of the year.

“I would encourage everyone eligible to book their vaccines as soon as possible, either online, through the NHS App, or by calling 119.”

This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended adults aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes and those with underlying health conditions aged six months to 64 years be offered both flu and Covid vaccinations.

The Government has also decided that, as in previous years, the Covid and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in older adult care homes being offered the Covid jab.

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

For the first time, the NHS is also offering vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children.

The jab, introduced earlier this month, is available to those aged 75 to 79, and is being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.​

Flu vaccinations for children started in September for the new school year, to help stop the virus spreading, and pregnant women have been able to get their jab from September 1. 

The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative.