Devon NHS urges residents to get flu and Covid jabs before winter

A hospital trust in Devon is urging residents to get their flu shots and Covid-19 boosters early, ahead of the winter season.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have said the best time to get protected is “well before winter illnesses peak,” and are urging everyone eligible to get their jab done in October or November.

For Tavistock, Boots and Tavyside Pharmacy offer flu and Covid vaccinations by appointment only, Day Lewis Pharmacy also offer walk-ins for these services.

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A representative from Day Lewis Pharmacy told The Moorlander: “We advise pre-booking due to waiting times and to accommodate work schedules but will never turn away a walk-in for flu or Covid vaccines, whether that be NHS or private. We have had an absolute mix of ages, gender, etc since our vaccines began on October 1.”

In Okehampton, both PharmaDerma and Boots offer vaccinations by walk-in or appointment.

A spokesperson from Boots Okehampton said: “It really helps us manage supply if people pre-book their flu or Covid vaccines. We do accept walk-ins when we have the time and stock available, but doses can run out quickly as there are hundreds of thousands being given across the country. A large number of people have one every year, so many book early. We tend to see the busiest period in October, and then it trails off toward winter.”

Bovey Tracey Pharmacy also offers vaccinations, but by appointment over the phone or website only.

Vanessa Purday, Chief Medical Officer at the Royal Devon, said: “The flu vaccine prevented between 96,000 and 120,200 hospitalisations in England last year. For the Royal Devon, this meant we were able to keep more people out of hospital and well in the home. I strongly encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated this season. Don’t wait until we reach the winter peak, get your vaccinations early.”

Flu and Covid-19 can affect anyone but are especially serious for older people, pregnant women, or those with long-term health conditions. 

Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.

Who can get a free Covid-19 booster

• Adults aged 75 years and over
• Residents in care homes for older adults
• Anyone aged 6 months or over who is immunosuppressed

If you’re eligible, you will be invited to get your booster, but you can also book an appointment now through the National Booking Service.

Who can get a free flu vaccine

• Adults aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women
• Residents in care homes
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2025
• All primary and secondary school children (Reception to Year 11)
• Adults aged 18 to under 65 in clinical risk groups

Carolyn Mills, Chief Nursing Officer at the Royal Devon, said: “You need your flu vaccine every year. Flu viruses change from one winter to the next, and the vaccines are updated each season to give the best possible protection.”

Appointments can be made via the National Booking Service where you can also find details of upcoming Royal Devon vaccination clinics.