The Department of Health and Social care has urged the eligible to give themselves the gift of a vaccine at Christmas.

The announcement comes as hospitalisation rates for Covid and flu continue to rise.

All those who are eligible for free winter vaccines are being urged to come forward as early as possible.

The eligible include those who are pregnant, younger children, those over 50 and the immunosuppressed.

Relatives, friends and neighbours are also being asked to remind people they know who are eligible.

Latest data published by NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows 8.27 people per 100,000 in hospital for flu and 9.56 per 100,000 for Covid, an increase of 1.47 and 2.95 on last week.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Steve Barclay said: "It is fantastic to see that millions of people have already been jabbed by hardworking NHS staff and volunteers, giving them the protection they need throughout winter and beyond.

"As we move into the festive holiday, we can all draw on the spirit of Christmas and make sure our vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours are getting their immunity topped up to prevent them from serious illness.

"I know from when I got the jabs how quick and easy it is, and I want to encourage all eligible people to come forward this Christmas."

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