They are advising people to take up the flu vaccine, which helps guard against flu, a potentially serious and life-threatening illness.
Every year, the NHS provides a free flu jab in autumn or early winter for those who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.
This includes those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, care home residents, main carers for older or disabled people, individuals living with someone who has a weakened immune system, and frontline health or social care workers.
The flu vaccine is also crucial for adults aged 18 to 64 who have long-term conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, chronic kidney or liver disease, diabetes, and those with a learning disability or who are very overweight.
In the 2024 to 2025 period, only 36.4 per cent of adults aged 18 to 64 in mid and south Essex with a clinical risk received the vaccine, below the national average.
The NHS said: “Improving uptake will protect individuals, reduce hospital admissions, and help ease pressure on the NHS this winter.
“You can reduce your chances of being hospitalised with flu by nearly half just by getting vaccinated.”
