The NHS in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is urging anyone in a clinical at-risk group to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

It has been revealed that only 27 per cent of those eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, and 35 per cent of those eligible for a flu vaccine, have been protected this winter.

For COVID-19 vaccines, there are still more than 68,000 people in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Royston who are in a clinical at-risk group and have not had their vaccine.

People in the clinical at-risk groups are anyone with: conditions that affect breathing, such as severe lung conditions, including poorly controlled asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis; heart conditions, such as congenital heart disease and hypertension, chronic kidney disease; liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis; chronic digestive issues such as severe gastro-oesophageal reflux and conditions that affect the brain or nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

This is not an exhaustive list and there are other diseases and conditions including having a weakened immune system and being over weight.

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For flu vaccines, there are still more than 74,000 people in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Royston who are in a clinical at-risk group and have not had their vaccine.

Cali Makewell, integrated vaccination service lead with NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “Some people might not be aware they are eligible for these two free vaccines, or had them previously and think they might not need them again.

"But it’s very important to get these vaccines as you are at an increased risk of getting seriously ill without their protection.

“We have walk-in opportunities all across the county, with lots of local pharmacies taking part, helping to make opportunities to have the vaccines more accessible to people. You can also still book a vaccine appointment if preferred.”

To find out more about these vaccines and how to book them, or find a walk-in clinic, please visit: The Vaccinators website https://www.cpics.org.uk/the-vaccinators.