The NHS has said that people have until Friday, January 31 to book in for their Covid-19 vaccination and flu jabs are available until Monday, March 31.
More than 420,000 Covid-19 vaccinations have been delivered to people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, those who have an increased risk of getting seriously ill, and frontline health and care workers.
But that still leaves 40 per cent of those eligible who haven’t come forward for their free vaccination.
READ MORE: ‘Remember the ED is for emergencies’ – NHS pleads to use services appropriately
In addition to the Covid-19 jabs, more than 595,000 flu vaccinations have also been administered.
Getting a flu jab in January ensures that you’re protected when the risk of contracting the flu is at its highest.
Dr Matt Nisbet, a local GP and clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “With cases of flu rising across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight it is more important than ever to get vaccinated.
“It is the best way for people to ensure they and their families are protected against the viruses, especially at this time of year as they spread more easily when people spend more time indoors.
“It isn’t too late to get vaccinated, but it is important to book in as soon as possible as it takes about two weeks following vaccination to build up your maximum defence against the viruses.
“It is crucial to get this protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid-19 before, as immunity fades over time and the viruses change each year.”
SEE MORE: Hospital beds and emergency departments full due to flu cases says trust
Those eligible for both Covid-19 and flu vaccines this year include those aged 65 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults, persons aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, and frontline health and social care workers.
There are also a number of people who are not eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccination but can have a free flu vaccination.
They are carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
Parents and carers of two to three-year-olds are also being encouraged to get their little ones booked in for a flu vaccination.