A HEALTH-conscious councilor is urging his residents to receive vital vaccinations to help alleviate the pressure being placed on GP surgeries and hospitals this winter.

Dave Harris, Colchester Council representative for Berechurch and Shrub End, has been left concerned over the rising numbers of Covid-19 and flu cases.

On December 21, for example, 8,643 patients tested positive for coronavirus in hospital, a rise of 29 per cent on the previous week, according to NHS data.

Earlier in the month, flu admissions temporarily overtook Covid cases but now both sets of rates are continuing to increase week-on-week.

In a recent interview with BBC Radio, Colchester Hospital boss Nick Hulme, even said levels of sickness, flu and Covid he was witnessing were the worst in his career.

Mr Harris is now calling on his constituents to make the most of coronavirus vaccine walk-in sessions taking place at St Cedds Community Centre in Iceni Way.

The trio of clinics will each run from 1.30pm until 5.30pm on January 27, February 24, March 31.

“Dramatically rising numbers of Covid and flu will adversely affect many, stopping normal appointments and causing longer wait times for those waiting for treatments

“I am encouraging my constituents in Berechurch and Shrub End to attend walk-in centres.”