LUDLOW MP, Philip Dunne, has welcomed a nationwide advertising campaign encouraging people to get their Covid-19 booster and flu jabs to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.

Mr Dunne, a former health minister, has been recovering from Covid-19 and believes that the two vaccinations he received earlier in the year may well have prevented him having to go into hospital.

The colder weather in the winter months favours transmission and experts have warned there could be a significant flu surge and continuing or rising Covid cases. So the Government is pushing the biggest winter vaccine campaign ever for Covid and flu, including in south Shropshire, so people can help protect not themselves and their loved ones this winter and play their part in reducing pressure on the NHS.

The multimedia campaign will run on broadcast and community radio and TV, as well as outdoor billboards in larger areas, to support the national vaccine drive.

So far more than 69,300 people have already received a first dose in South Shropshire, and 65,241 have now received a second dose. People will be invited for the Covid-19 booster jab when it’s their turn, if they have not been contacted within a week of reaching six months since their second jab they can call 119 or book online. Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine can book an appointment through their GP surgery or local pharmacy.

“Thanks to the 69,343 people in South Shropshire who have come forward to get their jabs, we’ve been able to open up the country and make progress back towards normal life,” said Mr Dunne.

“Over four million people across the country have already received a booster jab. It is vital that each and every one of us continues to play our part, to protect our loved ones and the NHS, and to stay ahead in the race against the virus, by taking up the offer of a vaccine.

“Through a renewed national effort to get jabbed against Covid and flu, building on the biggest flu programme in history, we can continue saving lives by building up our protection against the virus.”

Vaccines provide the best possible protection against infection and serious disease. The Covid booster programme was launched to prolong protection into winter.