MEON Valley MP Flick Drummond is urging people to get their Covid booster and flu jabs.

The advertising blitz to encourage take-up runs from this week on billboards, broadcast and community radio and TV to support the national vaccine drive.

Colder weather favours transmission of both viruses and experts have warned there could be a significant surge in infections.

One TV advert asks people to “get vaccinated, get boosted, get protected”, and features Michelle, an NHS nurse, explaining the benefits of the flu jab and Covid booster vaccine.

“The brilliant vaccine rollout this year has made a huge difference to rates of serious illness and hospitalisation from Covid but now we are entering the crucial winter months, it is vital that those who are eligible for a Covid booster jab get one,” said Ms Drummond.

“Experts are also very concerned that we have much less immunity from the flu virus due to a lack of contact over the last year and half, so the same message to get a flu jab really does apply too.

“Acting now and getting these jabs will save lives and ease pressure on the NHS during these crucial winter months. I also believe it could be the difference to whether we need any further Covid restrictions.”

People eligible for the Covid booster are those aged 50 and those aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk from Covid.

The Government has also launched the country’s biggest flu programme in history with 35 million people eligible - mostly aged over 50 - for a free vaccine.

People will be invited for the booster jab but if they have not been contacted within a week of six months since their second jab they can call 119 or book online.

Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine can book an appointment through their GP surgery or local pharmacy.