DOCTORS are reminding patients who need repeat prescriptions to order them before the Christmas and New Year break.

Most pharmacists and GP surgeries will be closed over the festive Bank Holidays with patients advised to plan ahead and order repeat prescriptions at least five days before the start of the festivities.

If you need advice when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 and speak to a call handler who will be able to direct you to a local service that is open.

Locality clinical director at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG), Dr Ed Capo-Bianco, said: “To stay well you should plan ahead for repeat prescriptions you’ll need over the holiday break, so please order early and collect in good time.”

This year OCCG has urged residents to have their own ‘winter plan’ to stay safe and well during the colder months.

Dr Capo-Bianco added: “Having a winter plan will also help you stay well over the holidays.

“This can include having a free flu vaccination if you are eligible, ensuring your medicine cabinet is well stocked up to treat minor ailments like coughs and colds, and getting help before a condition gets worse.

“I urge people to keep an eye out for elderly family members and neighbours over Christmas and New Year.

“There is a lot you can do to help people who are frail and vulnerable, like calling round to see if they need anything or to make sure their home is heated to at least 18°C.”

OCCG has also reminded residents it is not too late for ‘at risk’ patients to have a free flu vaccination.

These include patients aged 65 and over, adults living with a long term condition such as diabetes and asthma, and all pregnant women.

People eligible for a free NHS vaccine should visit their GP practice when invited to have a jab.

Flu can seriously affect their health and the risks of developing complications are higher for people in these ‘at risk’ groups.

Dr Capo Bianco said: “The flu is not the same as getting a cold.

“It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are greater for people within the ‘at-risk’ groups.

“Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days, but for some the disease can lead to a stay in hospital, permanent disability or even death.”