HEALTH leaders have issued a plea to the public following a rise in Covid and flu cases locally resulting in an increase in hospital admissions. 

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board has issued a plea for people to help NHS services by taking steps to protect themselves such as getting vaccinated when invited.

Read more: Housebuilder plans to build 250 homes on Basingstoke golf course

Getting vaccinated, thinking carefully about which service is right for your needs, and making sure loved ones can get home easily when ready to leave hospital are three ways to help relieve pressure on health services this winter, the care board said. 

People aged 50 years and above are now eligible to receive a Covid autumn booster and flu vaccine. Health and social care staff are also able to get both vaccines to help protect vital NHS services and reduce the risk of high staff absence from illness.

The care board is urging those eligible to take up their vaccine offer as cases of Covid and flu are rising both nationally and locally.

Vaccines can be received at GP practices, community pharmacies, vaccine centres and walk-in clinics.

See more: Plans submitted to install swimming pool in back garden of property

GPs are contacting patients in order of clinical priority as well as helping vaccinate care home residents and staff.

Vaccine appointments at other sites can be booked through the National Booking Service.

The care board warned that while for many people Covid can leave them with symptoms such as a cough, sore throat and temperature, for those most at risk it can be life-threatening and can lead to further health complications.

Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and clinical lead for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid Vaccination Programme, said: “Thanks to the efforts of colleagues and the amazing response from the public to the Covid-19 vaccination programme, Covid has become a much milder illness.

“The best way to protect the health services we all rely on to continue delivering planned as well as urgent care is to maintain our high level of vaccine uptake for Covid and flu.

“This is particularly important for those at increased risk of serious illness such as people who are pregnant or have conditions affecting their immune system.

“If you are offered both vaccines at the same appointment, it is safe to do this and across Hampshire and Isle of Wight over 60,000 people have taken the NHS up on this offer.

“Getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you.”

So far, more than 300,000 doses of the seasonal autumn booster have been given in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

See also: Spectacular light display set to wow crowds for Basingstoke Diwali celebrations 

On top of this, nearly 6,000 people have come forward since the start of the autumn rollout to receive their first or second dose of the Covid vaccine.

Dr Derek Sandeman, chief medical officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System (ICS), said: “As the weather turns and more people are spending time indoors, we are seeing a rise locally in Covid levels as well as other respiratory viruses such as flu and the common cold.

“We have seen in previous years the affect these illnesses can have on health services and know that getting vaccinated against Covid and flu reduces your risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.

“Across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, we are seeing an increase in the number of patients with Covid being admitted to hospital alongside rising demand for our services.

“While Covid is not the main reason for many being admitted, it still complicates the way teams are able to provide care, to protect other more vulnerable patients from the virus.

“Please help your NHS this autumn and get vaccinated now. You have the chance to make a real difference to how Covid and flu impact services this winter.”

If you need help booking an appointment or need information in alternative languages, contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid-19 helpline on 0300 561 0018 which is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm at weekends.

People are reminded to cancel an appointment as soon as possible if it needs to be changed so the space can be given to someone else.

Appointments can be made or changed through the National Booking Service or by calling 119 between 7am and 11pm daily.

Any appointments made with a GP or pharmacy directly should be cancelled or rearranged through them.