More than three out of four of those eligible in Powys have taken up the COVID-19 vaccination offer, but flu vaccine uptake has slowed to a trickle, according to health board officials.

Powys Teaching Health Board’s Director of Public Health has welcomed the Covid vaccination news, but she cautions that cases of Influenza are rising across the county.

Mererid Bowley, Director of Public Health for Powys Teaching Health Board said: “It’s great news that more than 75 per cent of those most at risk of complications from a COVID-19 infection have received their free vaccination.

“For those who have yet to take up the offer, I would urge you to do so. It is not too late, and you can find more information from our website www.pthb.nhs.wales/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination/.

“Worryingly, cases of Influenza, commonly known as ’the flu‘, are on the increase throughout Wales. It is a nasty infection and experts from Public Health Wales are warning that they expect to see a peak of the disease around Christmas time.

“We need everyone who has been offered a free flu vaccine to take up that offer. It is a potentially life-threatening illness for which vaccination can offer a good level of protection to those most at risk from serious and even life-threatening complications.

“Respiratory diseases like COVID-19, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are unwelcome house guests at any time of year, but they will thrive if given a half a chance during your Christmas festivities. To help stop flu and other viruses spreading, remember to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.’

“My plea is that everyone who can, should take the opportunity to protect themselves, their friends and loved ones: if an offer has been made, please take it.”

All those eligible for a free flu vaccine will have been contacted by their General Practitioner (GP). If you either missed your appointment or did not respond to the invitation altogether it is not too late to seek protection.

GP surgeries and many community pharmacies in Powys will still offer the free vaccine to eligible individuals. Please speak to your GP or pharmacist or visit www.pthb.nhs.wales/flu.

The message across Powys should remain up-beat on COVID-19 vaccinations, having hit the initial 75 per cent coverage target set by Welsh Government.

However, there is no room for complacency, warns the health board.

“I want to protect as many people as possible this year," said Ms Bowley. "And while we’ve achieved the initial Welsh Government benchmark for the eligible population, we can do better, as this is our best protection against the COVID-19 virus.

“I’m keen to improve vaccination rates for certain key groups that remain under-vaccinated, including pregnant women, unpaid carers, and social care staff.

“Vaccination provides a good level of protection to carers and those they care for. I’m therefore asking all social care staff to take up the offer and attend one of the drop-in sessions that we operate for health and social care staff and unpaid carers. Just bring a form of ID such as a security pass, and we will vaccinate you.”

More information about drop-in sessions for eligible citizens, including health and social care staff and unpaid carers are available from www.pthb.nhs.wales/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination/drop-in-clinics/.