All adults over the age of 50 are now encouraged to get the covid vaccine booster ahead of winter.

People are also being advised to get the flu jab at the same time as the booster to enhance their chancer of staying healthy.

Both vaccines are free on the NHS for people over the age of 50, with the flu jab also free for anyone turning 50 before the end of March.

NHS medical director Stephen Powis says that the threat of a 'twindemic' "is very clear".

He said: “With growing cases of flu in the community already and currently over 10,000 people with Covid in hospital across England, the threat of a ‘twindemic’ that we have been concerned about is very clear.

“From falls services to 24/7 control centres, the NHS is working hard to prepare for a challenging winter and everyone who is eligible has the power to protect themselves from flu and Covid. It has never been easier to get your jabs so please come forward and book without delay.”

Covid-19 vaccines continue to be available from the many sites that have been involved in the vaccination programme since its inception almost two years ago.

This includes the STEAM museum in Swindon.

Some venues may be offering walk-in appointments, but it is essential to check beforehand via the NHS website.

Gill May, Chief Nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: "Winter is fast approaching and with cases of Covid-19 already on the rise, it’s hugely important that all those who are eligible for a vaccine come forward without delay.

“And with this year being the first since 2019 with no mandated rules on mask wearing or social distancing, getting vaccinated against both Covid-19 and flu should be a priority for all who are eligible.”

It comes as experts say the flu season appears to have arrived early.

Monitoring by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests cases of flu have risen across England, with more calls to NHS 111 and a slight rise in people seeking help from their GP for flu-like symptoms.

The latest data suggests hospital and intensive admissions for the respiratory disease are rising quickest in children under five, though overall flu levels are still at a relatively low level, meaning it is difficult to predict how big the wave will be.