Street and Glastonbury are part of a county-wide success story as over half of Somerset's 255,000 eligible residents have now received their COVID-19 booster vaccine.

The autumn booster campaign, which also includes flu vaccinations, has protected 137,000 people from COVID-19 and 170,000 from flu.

With winter approaching, health officials in Somerset are urging residents to get vaccinated to protect against respiratory viruses, which tend to peak in late December. The COVID-19 vaccine is available to individuals aged 65 and over, frontline health and social care workers, and those with specific health conditions.

To increase accessibility, the NHS in Somerset is offering walk-in vaccination options at various locations, including local pharmacies and community hospitals. Further details are available on the NHS Somerset website.

In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccinations are available through GP practices and community pharmacies, with many locations offering both vaccines at the same time.

The schools flu vaccine programme has been running in Somerset since the start of term with children aged 4 years up to those aged 16 years (school year 11) being offered a nasal spray vaccine, or an injection if this is unsuitable.

Parents of children aged 2 and 3 years (on 31 August) should book a nasal spray flu vaccine for their child at their local GP surgery.

Shona Turnbull-Kirk, Associate Director for Health Inclusion for NHS Somerset, said: "COVID-19 is still out there, and flu is a concern for the NHS every winter. These viruses are more serious in people aged 65 and over and those with a weakened immune system. Make sure you stay up to date with your vaccines for the best possible protection and to keep yourself and others safe.

"As we head into the busy social season of Christmas and New Year, the vaccine will provide important protection and peace of mind for yourself and loved ones, so if you are eligible for the booster and yet to come forward, we would encourage you to do so as soon as possible."

For more information on eligibility and where you can receive the free flu or COVID-19 vaccine this year, please visit nhs.uk/wintervaccinations