Cheshire East residents are being urged to get their flu jab as winter pressures rise.

Leaders from Cheshire East Council, Mid Cheshire NHS Trust, East Cheshire NHS Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board are calling on residents most at risk from flu to come forward for their seasonal vaccination.

With winter bringing increased pressure on A&E departments, GP practices and other health and social care services, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce serious illness and protect NHS capacity.

Professor Rod Thomson, director of population health at Cheshire East Council, said: "Flu is not just a heavy cold – it can be extremely serious for those who are at higher risk.

"By getting vaccinated, you're protecting yourself, your loved ones and easing the pressure on our local NHS services at a time of year when demand is highest.

"The vaccine is safe, effective, and widely available. We urge everyone who is eligible to book their appointment as soon as possible."

Flu can be especially dangerous for people with underlying conditions (Credit: NHS)

The appeal is primarily aimed at pregnant women, people aged under 65 with long-term or chronic health conditions, everyone aged 65 years and over, and parents and carers of children who are eligible for the flu vaccine.

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Flu can be especially dangerous for people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, neurological conditions, and weakened immune systems.

Children are also being encouraged to get the vaccine, typically a quick and painless nasal spray for most age groups, to help limit the spread of the virus within families, schools, and the wider community.

Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, medical director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: "The increase in flu cases and other seasonal viruses creates additional demand during an already very challenging winter period. 

"While the NHS anticipate these pressures and plan extensively to manage this demand, it's important that those eligible have their winter vaccines to prevent them from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.

"Having your winter vaccines will help to ease the workload on hospitals and the dedicated NHS staff who work tirelessly to deliver safe, effective care for those who need it most during these challenging months."

Eligible adults can book their flu jab through their local GP practice, participating pharmacies or via the NHS App.

Parents of eligible children will be contacted through their child's school or can arrange vaccination through their GP if the school session is missed.