HEALTH and care chiefs are urging people to get both Covid-19 booster and flu vaccination as soon as possible.

Covid-19 rates of infection remain high in Cheshire East, although they have fallen in recent weeks. There were 441.5 cases per 100,000 people last week (up to October 29).

Crewe Leighton had the highest case rate in the area with 624 per 100,000 people (in the same time period).

The number of people testing positive today (Wednesday) in the borough was 324, but the 1,789 testing positive in the last week is down by over four per cent on the previous seven days.

Those being hospitalised with coronavirus numbered 32 at the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust - which runs Leighton Hospital - in the week up to October 24, a rise of 14 on the previous seven days.

On October 26 there were 47 people being treated for Covid-19 in the hospital trust's beds.

While emphasising the need to get a booster jab to head off the spread of coronavirus, health chiefs are warning people not to forget to protect themselves from flu, which can also be life threatening and spread more easily when people are crowded inside.

Anyone who was jabbed in the early stages of Cheshire's Covid-19 vaccination programme is urged to come forward now for their booster vaccination.

Those eligible for a booster jab are older care home residents, frontline health and care staff, all adults aged 50 or over and anyone with an underlying health condition.

Dr Andrew Wilson, Sandbach GP and Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group clinical chair, said: "Booster vaccinations are being delivered now at dozens of GP and pharmacy-led vaccination centres across Cheshire.

"The quickest way to arrange one is online via the National Booking Service or by calling 119. There's no need to contact your GP practice."

Director of Public Health at Cheshire East Council Matt Tyrer added: "In addition to the Covid vaccines, flu vaccination is being offered to more people than ever before this winter to reduce the risk of people falling seriously ill from a combination of flu and Covid-19, and to stop the NHS being overwhelmed."

For more information on Covid vaccination, including booster jabs, visit www.cheshireccg.nhs.uk and select "Covid-19 vaccination programme- what you need to know."