CENTRAL DEVON MP Mel Stride is urging residents in his constituency who are eligible for the flu jab to get one this winter, as the Government launches its drive to vaccinate 30 million people.

New research from Public Health England suggests that people who tested positive for both flu and Covid-19 were more than twice as likely to die compared to those with Covid-19 alone, and that those with co-infection of the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness.

Mel explained: ‘There are many benefits to having the flu vaccine. You will be better protected from the flu, better protected if you catch Covid-19, you will be helping to stop the flu virus spreading to others and you will be helping to ease pressure on our NHS and urgent care services this winter.’

The Government is working to provide the free flu vaccine to 30 million people, the highest number on record, including: all primary school children, and, for the first time, Year 7 children; two and three-olds; the most vulnerable people, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women; household contact of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for.

Once uptake has been maximised in the most at-risk groups, the newly eligible 50-64-year olds will be invited for vaccination later in the season.