Protect yourself and loved ones against the flu this winter
Devon’s NHS is urging people who are at risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu to get vaccinated before cases start to rise.
The flu jab has already been given to 4.3 million people in England this year – an increase of 28% since this time last year – but there are concerns that people who are at high risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu and are eligible for the vaccine, are not coming forward to be vaccinated.
Dr Alex Degan, NHS Devon’s primary care medical director at NHS Devon said: “Flu can affect anyone but if you have a long-term health condition, the effects of flu can make it worse even if the condition is well managed and you normally feel well. It can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse.
“If you are someone with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, have a BMI over 40, or are taking medication for asthma, you are classed as clinically vulnerable and are entitled to a free flu vaccination. It is important that anyone in this group protects themselves against flu this winter.
“Vaccinations are our best defence against these potentially very dangerous viruses and can genuinely save lives.”
You can visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine to see if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccination, or speak to your GP or specialist.
You can book your flu or COVID-19 vaccinations (also if you’re eligible) through the national booking system or finding details of your nearest Walk-in COVID-19 vaccination sites
Have your say and join our Council of Governors
Would you like to help how our organisation is run? Nominations to join our Council of Governors open on 11 November.
Our governors make a huge difference in making sure the views of our communities are represented and helping us to deliver our plans and we’re looking for governors in all of our constituency areas of Torbay; Teignbridge, and the rest of the South West peninsula.
Every NHS Foundation Trust has public, staff and appointed governors, and our 33 elected members make a huge difference in ensuring the views of our communities are heard to help shape our organisation’s directions and plans.
They hold our non-executive directors to account, oversee the appointment of our Chairman and Chief Executive, and ensure we act in a way that is consistent with our constitution and objectives.
Our governors also meet with people in their local community and staff governors with other Trust staff to listen to feedback and ideas and to update them on what happens at Council of Governor meetings.
We’re looking for a diverse range of candidates who are enthusiastic, interested in health and social care and are willing to represent the views of their communities in South Devon and Torbay area and the wider South West peninsula.
You can put yourself forward by visiting the dedicated Elections Portal or visit our website for more information. Nominations open on 11 November and elections will take place in January and February 2026.
If you would like to meet our lead governor to hear more about the role, come along to our virtual sessions to ask questions on:
- Wednesday 12 November at 5pm to 5.45pm
- Thursday 20 November at 11am to 11.45am
- Monday 24 November 3.00 pm to 3.45 pm
- Tuesday 02 December at 1pm to 1.45pm
Please call our Foundation Trust Office on 01803 655406 or email foundationtrust.tsdft@nhs.net for more details.