A ‘WORRYING’ number of children and adults are being admitted to hospital in Herefordshire and Worcestershire with ‘serious respiratory infections’.

People are being urged to have their Covid-19 and flu jabs amid an increase in hospital admissions for respiratory infections.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, chief nursing officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “Respiratory viruses, including flu and Covid-19, are causing serious illness and hospitalisations in our area.

“Vaccination works and is the best defence against serious illness this winter.

"I’d like to urge anyone who is at higher risk of serious illness from Covid-19 and flu to protect themselves with a vaccination.

"There is plenty of flu vaccine available and it is a good match for the strain currently circulating in the community.”

Parents are being particularly encouraged to have their two- and three-year-olds vaccinated when invited by their GP practice.