PEOPLE living in Ludlow and south Shropshire are being told that if they want to give themselves as much chance as possible of staying well this winter then they should make getting a flu jab and Covid booster a priority.

Health chiefs are warning that the winter could bring a double whammy of a surge in flu cases and rise in Covid-19 infections.

Residents in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, who are eligible for the free flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster jab are being urged to book their appointments as soon as they are able, to give themselves and their loved ones the best possible protection this winter.

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.

Research shows those infected with both viruses are more than twice as likely to die as someone with Covid-19 alone.

Those eligible for a Covid-19 booster vaccine should book or walk-in for a booster as soon as they are invited (by text, email or letter), with around 30 million people eligible for the booster dose.

The NHS Vaccination Programme is inviting eligible people, who had their second jab at least six months ago (a minimum of 182 days), for their booster dose.

Those who will be eligible for the Covid-19 booster include: those living in residential care homes for older adults, all adults aged 50 years or over.