A new campaign is set to launch next week to encourage people to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccines.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working with the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England to launch a scaled-up Get Winter Strong campaign on October 7.

It comes after data shows at least 18,000 deaths in the past two winters were linked to flu.

Despite last winter being a relatively mild flu season, the virus remains a significant threat, especially to older people and other high-risk groups.

The campaign aims to reduce the impact of winter viruses and ease NHS pressures by urging those eligible to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations.

For the first time, it will also encourage pregnant women to get their RSV and whooping cough vaccinations.

There is concern over the drop in flu vaccine uptake rates last winter across all eligibility groups in the South West and England compared with the previous year.

In the South West, 81 per cent of older people received the vaccine, but only 46.5 per cent of people with long-term health conditions, 37.1 per cent of pregnant women, and 51.4 per cent of two and three-year-olds were vaccinated.

Evidence shows the significant impact of last year’s flu vaccine, with a 30 per cent reduction in hospitalisation for those aged 65 and over, and a 74 per cent reduction for those aged between two and 17.

Professor Dominic Mellon, deputy regional director of health protection at UKHSA South West, said: "As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which can tragically kill thousands of people every year.

"Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence. If you or your child are offered the flu, Covid-19 or RSV vaccines, don’t delay in getting them."

Millions of eligible people in England can now book their flu and Covid-19 vaccines through the NHS, with appointments starting from October 3.

Dr Kheelna Bavalia, South West medical director, said: "Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and Covid-19.

"With NHS bookings now open for these life-saving vaccinations, I would strongly encourage anyone eligible to book your jabs as soon as possible."

The campaign will run for 10 weeks and will appear on broadcast TV, on-demand and community TV, as well as radio channels, outdoor poster sites across England, and on social media channels.