THE NHS in Gloucestershire is beginning its winter vaccine rollout with those eligble set to be contacted from this week.

The One Gloucestershire care partnership is offering those at risk of “getting very ill” this winter a Covid booster or flu vaccination, beginning with care home residents and those who are housebound.

The rollout will continue on a “phased basis” over the coming weeks.

Those who will be eligible includes care home residents and staff, frontline health and care workers, all adults over 50, people aged 5-49 with certain health conditions or vulnerable people in their households, pregnant women, two and three year-olds and school pupils up to year 9.

Dr Andy Seymour, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Gloucestershire, said: “We have a strong history of providing vaccinations to our residents, with our innovative GP-led Primary Care Network community vaccination model and well-established community pharmacy offer leading the way through each phase of the COVID vaccination programme so far.

“Our incredible vaccination teams are well practiced at rolling out the delivery of vaccines quickly, and we’re confident that they will once again rise to the challenge to ensure everyone who is eligible can access a COVID booster or flu jab this autumn.

“If you’re eligible for one or both of these vaccines, it’s really important to take up the offer as soon as you’re invited to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell.”