The NHS has begun the rollout of Covid and flu vaccines.

This is part of a plan to combat a potential 'tripledemic' of viruses this winter.

The vaccines are aimed at older adults, care home residents, and people with long-term health conditions.

Across the North West, more than 2.8 million people are eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, and 4.2 million can get the flu vaccination.

Eligible individuals have been able to book appointments since Monday, September 23.

With slots still available, the NHS encourages eligible individuals to book through the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119.

The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy.

Walk-in sites are available for the Covid-19 vaccine.

The NHS has already invited more than 11 million people across the country to come forward for their jabs.

However, those eligible do not have to wait for an invitation to book their appointments.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director of commissioning for NHS England – North West, said: "The winter vaccination programme offers vital protection to people who need it most.

"It saves lives, but also it helps the NHS by reducing hospital admissions and easing pressure on services that are already incredibly busy.

"People with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, young infants, and older people are among those eligible for some or all of these life-saving vaccines.

"If invited, please don’t delay – get the vaccines.

"And if you’re unsure if you’re eligible or have any concerns please speak with your GP surgery or local pharmacist."

Earlier, UKHSA figures revealed at least 18,000 flu-related deaths and more than 19,500 Covid-19 deaths occurred over the past two winters.

Tricia Spedding, NHS England – North West head of public health, said: "In recent years, we have had thousands of deaths associated with flu and Covid.

"We know this is something that vaccines are proven to help reduce and with winter fast approaching, where these viruses hit their peak, it is vital that anyone eligible for a vaccination, takes up the offer as soon as they can.

"We have over 230,000 appointments available in the coming week alone, with GP practices, pharmacies, and other NHS teams offering quick and easy access to appointments.

"So if you have not booked yet then please do using the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 – it could keep you out of hospital this winter."

In line with the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine include pregnant women, all children aged two or three years on August 31, 2024, primary and secondary school-aged children, and all children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to less than 18 years.

From October 3, those aged 65 years and over, those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups, those in long-stay residential care homes, carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals, and frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer-led occupational health scheme are also eligible.

Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are residents in a care home for older adults, all adults aged 65 years and over, persons aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women, and frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults.