MOST people in England, about 30 million, are to be offered a free flu vaccine this year.

The government says it is to prepare for a winter that could see the annual flu season coincide with a surge in coronavirus.

The NHS flu programme will add all over-50s, people shielding and those who live with them and children in their first year of secondary school.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wanted "everyone to have a flu jab in the run up to this winter".

Wiltshire is gearing up.

A drive-thru flu clinic is to open in Chippenham.

Hathaway Medical Centre is pioneering the idea - so it can keep patients Covid-safe - at the same time as being able to quickly administer to thousands of patients due the jab in the coming weeks.

Clinics are being planned for numerous Saturdays in October and the proposed first clinic is due on Saturday, October 3.

The practice is awaiting for the sign off from a local school who is helping out.

The system is being practised and involves a bar code system which links patients’ details with the medication to speed up the admin process.

Northlands clinic in Calne started it's flu jab run at the weekend and says flu clinics for eligible adult patients who are under 65 are being planned for early October.

Kennet and Avon medical partnership in Marlborough and Pewsey says the same

Surgeries are saying that arrangements for child flu jabs will be advised separately.

Pharmacies such as Lloyds and Boots have also launched online booking slots.

The NHS will contact those who are eligible. It wants to ensure the highest risk patients are at the front of the queue when the immunisation programme starts.