Hampshire doctor urges people to get flu vaccine

With rising levels of winter illnesses, people are being urged to book in for a flu or covid jab.

The NHS is encouraging those who eligible for winter vaccines but haven't had one yet, to come forward.

Flu patients filled almost five-and-a-half thousand hospital beds last week.

The increasing pressure lead to hospitals in Winchester and Basingstoke declaring a critical incident.

Basingstoke GP Dr Matt Nisbet is leading Hampshire's vaccination programme.

"It's still really important for certain groups of people to have their winter vaccines.

"The vaccines might not stop you getting ill, but they'll mean you have a milder illness, that you recover more quickly, and you might be able to avoid going into hospital."

Matt tells us who will benefit most.

"The people that will benefit from a vaccine are people with certain health conditions, people over the age of 65, and people who live in a residential care home for older adults."

And for those wondering how to book - Matt has this advice.

"You can book in either through your GP surgery, through the NHS App, or through the Hampshire and Isle of Wight helpline, who can also advise you whether or not you might be eligible."

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