The second phase of the winter vaccination programme has begun for people in Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath, and North East Somerset.

Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are now available for those aged 65 and over, individuals with weakened immune systems, carers, care home residents, and front-line social and healthcare workers.

The initial launch last month invited pregnant women and children for their flu vaccinations.

Anyone eligible for vaccinations can now book online through the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119.

The NHS will also send out invitations to eligible individuals, with GP practices and other local NHS services contacting people to offer the vaccines.

Dr Barry Coakley, deputy chief medical officer for the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: "With winter approaching, it’s more important than ever to ensure that those most at risk are protected from serious illness.

"Both flu and Covid-19 can cause serious problems for even the healthiest of adults, and as the two viruses tend to become more prevalent during the colder months, when more of us spend more time indoors, it’s really important that those most at risk get protected.

"Having the vaccines not only gives a person’s immunity a much-needed boost, but also makes them less infectious to others, which is especially important right now to safeguard the health of vulnerable individuals and reduce pressure on our healthcare services during the busiest months of the year.

"I would encourage everyone eligible to book their vaccines as soon as possible."

For the first time, the NHS is also offering vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children.

Introduced earlier this month, the jab is available to those aged 75 to 79 and is being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.

The NHS hopes this year’s vaccination campaigns will help to avoid a "tripledemic" of RSV, Covid-19, and flu during an already busy time for frontline staff.

Wherever possible, people should be able to receive the flu jab at the same time as their Covid-19 vaccine.

Getting protected against both flu and Covid-19 on a regular basis helps to keep immunity levels, which may have dipped since previous vaccinations, topped up.

Those not entitled to a free NHS vaccine can still get protected by purchasing the vaccine from a high street chemist or a supermarket with an in-store pharmacy.