Powys Teaching Health Board is urging all eligible individuals to take up their free Influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations.

So far 50,000 Powys residents who have received their free vaccination, the board is encouraging the remaining 24,000 eligible individuals to get the jab.

Both the Covid-19 and Influenza immunisations are included in the Wales-wide winter vaccines campaign, as both viruses present a serious health threat to higher risk residents.

Both vaccines are offered to everyone aged 50 and over, pregnant women, those with certain long-term conditions, unpaid carers and frontline health and social care staff.

Mererid Bowley, Powys Teaching Health Board’s director of public health, said: “Covid-19 and influenza present a significant threat to health. We offer free and safe protection to the highest risk groups in society to minimise the risks of health complications, serious hospitalisation, and death.

“Please take up the vaccination offer if you are eligible as it will lower your chances of contracting disease, or if you are unfortunate enough to catch either or both infections, it will reduce the severity of your symptoms.

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“Frontline staff in health and social care should also take up their vaccination offer too. They are at risk from infection through their work, but critically risk passing on infection to those they care for, who are among the most vulnerable groups in our communities.

“All of the Mass Vaccination Centres are operating drop-in clinics for the Covid-19 vaccination for eligible health and social care staff. Just bring your proof of employment, such as an ID card, and you can get protection there and then.”

Mass Vaccination Centres, operated by Powys Teaching Health Board, are situated in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Bronllys.

Anyone registered with a Powys GP who is aged 50 and over or a frontline health and care worker, can drop in for a vaccine.

Flu vaccination is also offered to children from age two to sixteen, delivered free throughout Powys by the county-wide network of GP practices and community pharmacies, with school age children normally being offered the vaccine in schools.

Mererid Bowley added: “Flu is also on the increase but there is still time to get vaccinated. I encourage everyone eligible for flu vaccination to take up the offer.”