Despite cases of Covid continuing to fall - NHS and health experts are expecting a spike in both Covid-19 and flu this winter. 

With both Covid-19 and flu circulating this season and extremely low flu infections rates reported last winter, the Department of Health has raised concerns that months of lockdown and social distancing have lowered immunity levels, making the public more vulnerable. 

To minimise the impact of both viruses, Pharmacy2U, is supporting the NHS in offering Covid-19 booster jabs and flu vaccines to those eligible from Monday (12th) at its Dorchester clinic, located on High West Street, Dorchester.

The NHS will be inviting those most at risk first, but the following groups will be eligible for a free NHS autumn Covid-19 booster jab this season, as well as a free flu jab:

• People aged 50 years and over
• Carers aged 16-49 years old 
• Anyone aged 5 years or older with a weakened immune system or existing health conditions that put them at risk, including pregnant women
• People living with others who have weakened immune systems
• Frontline health and social care workers, including care home staff

The first wave of invitations for a Covid-19 vaccination are being sent to people aged 75 and over, people who are immunosuppressed, and health and care workers; with the remaining groups being invited in the following weeks. Please do not book an appointment or visit a vaccination site until you're invited, to ensure the most vulnerable groups get vaccinated first. This additional Covid-19 vaccine dose should be administered at least three months after the previous dose.

Pharmacy2U also recommends those eligible should have their flu vaccination at the same time, if eligible. Having COVID-19 and flu at the same time significantly increases the risk of hospitalisation and death. Vaccination ahead of the winter months can protect against complications and the risk of serious illness. Bear in mind that the NHS is offering flu jabs for healthy 50-64-year-olds only from October 15th onwards.

Clinical trials have shown that there is no reduction in the immune response to either vaccine when they are given simultaneously, and it is safe to administer both injections together; they will usually be given in different arms. 

The Dorchester clinic is located at 11 High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UW. To see clinic operating hours, click here - you will receive a letter or text from the NHS when it is your turn to book, and booking should be done via the NHS website.

If you are not up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations, the first and second doses - as well as booster jabs - will also be available at the clinic to everyone over the age of five years old who is eligible.

Mark Livingstone, CEO of Pharmacy2U, commented: "We are incredibly proud at Pharmacy2U to continue to play our part in protecting the most vulnerable people, and supporting the incredible effort the NHS has put into the vaccination programme. Our sites allow people to have easy access to the vaccination and we feel privileged to be able to play a part in easing some of the huge pressures that the NHS is currently under.

"Our vaccination centres and healthcare professionals will be supporting pharmacists to give patients these vital vaccinations, providing an essential service to help prevent the spread of this terrible virus. We're working closely with the national and regional NHS teams to maintain our vaccination sites for patients in areas that need them most."