Extra flu jab drop-in clinics being offered in North Devon and Torridge

Extra flu vaccination drop-in clinics have been set up to run over the winter flu season at several locations across North Devon and Torridge.

The NHS has added the extra clinics to its schedule as it continues to deal with an increase in the rates of flu and other respiratory infections, putting pressure on local hospitals and health centres.

The flu vaccination is offered free to those aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, at risk groups with a clinical condition such as asthma, COPD, kidney, heart and liver disease and those with a BMI of 40-plus.

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It is also available to those living in care homes, carers who meet certain criteria, frontline and care workers, those in close contact with people with an immunosuppressant condition and school-aged children as well as two and three-year-old children. The child vaccine is delivered as a nasal spray.

The additional pop-up vaccination centres will be running at various locations in December and January – see below for the current list.

The NHS has said more clinic locations, dates and times will be published regularly during the programme, so check the NHS website if the current list does not include a clinic near you, or at a time and date suitable.

Dr Alex Degan, Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Devon said: “Every year, I see how much illness and suffering the flu causes, and how much of it is preventable.

“The vaccines we're offering are safe and well-established. They are given to millions of people each year, and they're one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself and the people you love this winter.”

To book a vaccination appointment at one of the clinics, or search availability, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination

Drop-in flu vaccination centres in North Devon and Torridge

In Barnstaple tomorrow (Thursday, December 18) there will be a drop-in at the Tesco Extra on Seven Brethren between 9am and midday.

The next is at South Molton Community Hospital in Widgery Drive on Tuesday, December 23 between 9.30am and 12noon.

In Torridge, Holsworthy Hospital will be holding a drop-in on Monday, January 5 from 9.30am to 12noon.

Torrington Community Hospital will be offering vaccinations on Wednesday, January 7 from 9.30am to 12noon.

The pop-up is back at Barnstaple Tesco Extra on Thursday, January 8 and on January 15 and January 22 from 9am to 12noon.

Then again at South Molton Community Hospital on Tuesday, January 13 from 9.30am to 12noon.

The Tyrrell Hospital in Ilfracombe will be providing vaccinations on Thursday, January 15 from 9.30am to 12noon.

The drop-in is back at Holsworthy Hospital on Monday, January 26 and Torrington Hospital on Wednesday, January 28, both from 9.30am to 12noon.