By Fionnuala Boyle,Helena Vesty

Copyright dailyrecord

Coronavirus is still demanding the public’s attention as new, potent strains sweep across the nation. Health professionals, as a result, are urging the public to take one crucial step to defend themselves against the virus. From the beginning of October, individuals can now receive both flu and Covid-19 jabs as medics aim to ‘winterproof’ the NHS . Vaccinations will be administered to safeguard those most susceptible to severe illness this winter, providing immunity ahead of December and January, when hospitalisations for flu and other respiratory viruses typically surge. Flu vaccines are now accessible for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, children, pregnant women, close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals, and frontline health and social care workers, reports the Manchester Evening News . Covid-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed. The NHS is striving to make receiving vaccines as straightforward and convenient as possible, such as deploying mobile vaccination buses to deliver vaccines closer to people’s homes . For the first time ever, the health service will be offering flu vaccines to two and three year olds at more than 500 community pharmacies across the region. Some GPs are also providing flu vaccinations in nurseries. The NHS also advises the RSV jab for expectant mothers and elderly people, alongside the pneumococcal vaccination for those over 65, to guard against severe winter ailments such as pneumonia . Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, said: “With flu and Covid-19 cases already rising in the community, it’s more important than ever for people and families to protect themselves with winter vaccines. “Vaccinations are our best defence and can be life-saving, helping to protect those most at risk from becoming seriously unwell and needing hospital care. “The flu virus changes from year to year so it’s vital people get the vaccine every year to ensure they are protected against different strains. “NHS teams across the region are working incredibly hard and making it as easy as possible for people to get their jabs at GP practices, community pharmacies and walk-in clinics . If you’re eligible, or look after someone who is, please come forward as soon as possible.” From 1 September 2025: From 1 October 2025: Healthcare and social care workers will also receive a flu vaccination through their workplace from October 1, 2025 with numerous opportunities to get immunised around work schedules and shift patterns. The autumn Covid-19 vaccination programme for this year will be in operation from October 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026, with eligibility criteria as follows: Vaccinations can be booked online, through the NHS App, or by dialling 119. Pharmacies offering walk-in services are also available.