covid-19
Vaccination chief urges people to get boosted as West Yorkshire hits the half million milestone
The leader of the West Yorkshire Vaccination Programme has rolled up his sleeves to encourage people to get their autumn booster as soon as possible.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director for the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and practising GP, celebrated the rollout passing the half million milestone this week by getting his own top-up dose.
Just over a million people in West Yorkshire are eligible for the vital top-up jab, and over half of these have now been vaccinated. With COVID, flu and other respiratory illnesses in circulation and infection rates on the rise, Dr Thomas is urging everyone who is eligible to get their booster now to ensure maximum protection throughout the winter and festive period.
Dr Thomas said: “I am so grateful to our vaccination teams in West Yorkshire for all they are doing to get people protected ahead of what we know will be a hugely challenging winter. NHS staff and GP and pharmacy colleagues have been working flat out to protect those most susceptible to serious illness from both COVID and flu and delivered over 120,000 boosters a week during October, which is a fantastic achievement
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“As we head into the winter months and busy festive season, the booster offers important protection and peace of mind for those at greatest risk and their loved ones, so if you are eligible for the booster and yet to come forward, I strongly urge you to roll up your sleeves and get the jab done!”
Everyone aged 50 and over, or who has a condition that puts them at greater risk from COVID-19 is eligible for the vital top-up jab to keep their immunity as high as possible this winter. This includes people with weakened immune systems, learning disabilities and pregnant women. Frontline health and care workers and unpaid carers are also eligible and being urged to protect themselves and those they care for by getting their booster and flu jabs.
Anyone eligible can book an appointment on the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or by calling 119 free of charge. The West Yorkshire programme is also running a large number of walk-in and pop up clinics in local communities to make it as easy as possible for people to get their booster. People can search for clinics near them at www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Public Health Lead for the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “It is great that so many people have already made the smart choice to get their booster. We know that with winter comes both increased infection levels and also increased socialising indoors where viruses spread more easily. The increase in COVID infections is very concerning and latest data the UK Health Security Agency shows that flu infection rates are also on the rise so I would urge everyone who is eligible to get both their booster and their flu jab to keep them safe this winter.
Vaccination Rollout Team attending Older Persons Day November 1st at King’s Centre
At our International Day of Older Persons Celebration event next week we will be joined by the Covid Vaccination Rollout Team who will be offering Covid Boosters and Flu Vaccinations throughout the event. There is no need to book a slot you can just pop over and see them!
We hope you will join us for an afternoon of entertainment with an opportunity to find out more about support for unpaid Carers in Calderdale.
We have professional entertainent and refreshments will be provided.
Open to anyone over the age of 50 in Calderdale
To find out more please ring Louise on 01422 369101
Get your flu and Covid jabs booked and be winter ready
[ Message from Debs Harkins, Director of Public Health and Jackie Addison, Head of HR&OD – abbreviated ]
COVID-19 Autumn 2022 Boosters overviewWith flu season nearly upon us and COVID-19 continuing to circulate, we are encouraging you to protect yourself and others from serious illness at this critical time.As well as the infection prevention measures we have been using during the pandemic, you can boost your immunity by:
- having a flu jab – Check your eligibility for a free jab
- having the COVID-19 booster vaccine, if you are eligible
The COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccine can be given on the same day. We advise that you get each vaccine as soon as you can, rather than wait to get both.
Additionally, those working in care homes could be offered the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 or flu vaccine when roving teams visit care homes, however this may not always be possible.
Free flu vaccinationWhile it’s important to get the flu jab every year, it’s particularly important this year.There has been more flu circulating this year in the Southern Hemisphere than in recent years and the flu season started earlier than usual, so we can anticipate a similar situation in the UK. As well as this, the measures we have taken to avoid catching COVID-19 have meant that for the last couple of years we were also less likely to catch flu, so there may be less natural immunity in the community this year.You are more likely to get seriously ill and end up needing hospital care if you have COVID-19 and flu at the same time. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found that people who have COVID-19 and flu at the same time were almost six times more likely to die compared to people with neither. So please keep doing everything you can to avoid infection.If you are already eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS you should get it through that route. You will have probably already received an invite. If you’re not sure, one of the participating pharmacies can check when you go along and can still give you a jab even if you’re eligible for a free one on the NHS. If you have any questions about the scheme, or are not sure if you are eligible or not, please email joanne.ngan@calderdale.gov.uk.
As well as all Calderdale Council staff, the free flu vaccine is available through this scheme for employees of some of our partner organisations, where they are not eligible to get it on the NHS. Specifically employees who work in:
- Calderdale care settings, including domiciliary care
- Early years settings and early years providers
- Primary, secondary, specialist and post-16 education providers
Get your COVID-19 booster vaccination
The NHS is offering Autumn boosters to people at greatest risk from COVID-19 to help increase their immunity from the virus during the winter months. COVID-19 is still with us and people can still become very ill or die from the virus. Having your booster will ensure you continue to have the best protection against the virus through the winter months. The NHS will invite eligible people to make an appointment when it is their turn so please wait to be contacted. This invite will provide all the information on how to book an appointment. Frontline Health and Social Care Workers do not need to wait to be invited and can self-declare their status and book an appointment here or ring 119. You can have your seasonal booster (Autumn booster) if it’s been at least 3 months since you had your previous dose. If you have not had a 1st or 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine yet, you should have them as soon as possible.For more information on eligibility and to book your Covid booster vaccine, visit the NHS website.
More information about the Flu Vaccine and Covid Autumn Booster on Gov.uk
Health Challenges and Living with Disability beyond Covid-19
The event may be held in Todmorden but we will be promoting our research across Calderdale – by including community groups and other potential allies who are based in Todmorden, Hebden Royd, Halifax and other areas of Calderdale.
Register here : Community research event:
Health challenges and disability beyond Covid-19 Tickets
Download Flyer here (PDF)
In the first half of the meeting we will be going through the 7 headings of our research findings about Disability and Health – as we did previously with our on-line meeting in April. This includes Professional Support, Voluntary Sector Support, Friends and Family, Personal Care, Family Carers, Getting Out and about, Friends and Community, Disability Rights and Access.
In the second half of the meeting, we will be discussing our recommendations in an open forum. These themes include Listening to and involving local citizens more in local decision-making, tackling inequalities and upholding the rights of disabled people. We welcome your ideas or suggestions on how we can follow-up our initial research in practical ways.
Look out for each other during the heatwave and rising Covid cases
Residents across West Yorkshire are urged to take precautions and look out for each other during the heatwave and as COVID cases rise
Summer events and social gatherings are returning as part of our lives, but COVID transmission rates are rising sharply in West Yorkshire. The numbers of people with COVID in hospital beds are now greater than during the previous wave, our social care sector is under huge pressure, and we should remain cautious warns West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP).
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Director of Public Health for Kirklees Council and Public Health Lead for WY HCP said: “Our NHS and social care system is under pressure, especially with extremely hot weather alongside increasing rates of COVID. But there are a few simple things we can all do to help. Being cautious about mixing with groups of people if you’re feeling unwell is a good way of stopping the spread. Those other basic steps, like keeping rooms well ventilated and good hand hygiene, will also help. Above all, being up to date with your jabs is the best way you can protect yourself and our health service. It’s never too late to get protected”.
Information about how to get your COVID-19 vaccination can be found at nhs.uk and via the NHS App. Whether it’s a first, second or a booster dose no appointment is necessary – visit www.nhs.uk for a walk-in site near you.
The Met Office has also issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat from Sunday 17 July and WY HCP are reminding everyone to be sun smart and to choose health and care services wisely.
The main risks posed by a heatwave are not drinking enough water, overheating – which can make symptoms worse for people with heart or breathing problems – and heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Rob Webster CBE, CEO Lead for WY HCP said: ‘The consequences of a heatwave can affect anyone, including older people, and those who live on their own or in a care home, people who have a long-term health condition, babies and the very young. Please check-in on your vulnerable neighbours across Bradford District and Craven; Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield District to make sure they are following the advice and stay well during the heatwave. If you do become unwell it is important that you get the right care in the right place. Please choose the best service for your needs across West Yorkshire. If you have a medical problem and aren’t sure what to do visit 111.nhs.uk’.
For more information on summer health advice visit Seasonal advice – NHS – Together We Can (togetherwe-can.com) https://togetherwe-can.com/seasonaladvice/
Families can also visit Healthier Together, a free website developed by local healthcare professionals to help parents and carers keep their children safe and healthy. It has a wide range of information and is available by visiting https://www.wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk/
The team behind the website have ensured the online advice complements local advice given across health and care services. Information has been reviewed by local paediatricians, GPs, community pharmacists, health visitors and other professionals across the region to ensure it is the most current, and up to date information available.
It also offers practical advice on whether a child should go to nursery or school if unwell, along with advice on keeping children safe, well and in good general health.
Covid Cases in Calderdale – Message from Debs Harkins
The following is excerpt of the Message from Debs Harkins, Director of Public Health for Calderdale Council
Read full article in the Council’s news section
With the summer now upon us and the restrictions feeling like a distant memory for many of us, it can be easy to forget or even ignore the fact that we are still living with COVID-19. However, like the rest of the country we are seeing high rates of the virus and the impacts that accompany it, so it’s important that we remain mindful of the risks and take conscious steps to mitigate them. More than 1 in 20 people in Calderdale currently have COVID, the highest rate in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Unfortunately, this is having a significant impact in hospital admissions and care homes, and the hot weather we are experiencing may increase numbers further. Although vaccination, previous infection and improved treatment are preventing serious illness for many of us, it’s important that we continue to show kindness and consideration to others who are more vulnerable to the virus and take measures to help protect the business continuity of services that really matter to Calderdale residents. These small things will make a big difference:
- If you’ve tested positive or you have symptoms, stay at home if you can and try to stay away from others.
- If you’re not up to date with your vaccines, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. You can easily book online – just search for COVID vaccine. It’s the best thing we can do to protect ourselves from the virus.
- Over 75s and people with a compromised immune system can have an extra booster, often called the spring booster. It’s really important that those eligible for this extra dose book an appointment – it is still available even though we are now in summer.
- Be kind. Remember that there’s a lot of COVID about and be considerate, especially to people who are older or have a compromised immune system, many of whom have told us that they feel excluded from the opportunities that living with COVID present.
Enjoy the sunshine over the next few days and let’s keep doing our bit to protect ourselves, our communities and our fantastic services.
Our Calderdale: Living under the Shadow of Covid April 11
Join us for a free, on-line event about Disability and Health issues in Calderdale on April 11th from 2.00 – 4.30pm. It will be our opportunity to present our findings from our community research from a grass-roots perspective.
Over the last year we have listened to Hardly Heard voices from different communities across Calderdale about their experiences of living under the Shadow of Covid on themes of Disability and Health. It will also be your opportunity to ask questions about our research as well as of the community researchers from diverse communities who belong to our research team and represent grass-roots organisations in Calderdale.
Please register via https://crag-disability-research.eventbrite.co.uk
We are also keen to continue this dialogue and discussion after the event. We recognise that our efforts have been relatively invisible so far and hope that we can collaborate with a broader coalition of people to pursue any actions which may come in its wake. One possibility is to explore the potential of setting up an independent Citizens Forum to enable concerns about Disability and Health to be expressed and responded to more effectively across Calderdale and with a democratic basis based upon the principle of genuine co-production.
We welcome your ideas and suggestions both at the event and afterwards on how best to go about this. We are also keen to pursue efforts for an inclusive and supportive Calderdale in line with our support from the Connection Coalition at the Jo Cox Foundation and the Community Organisers movement in the UK.
I will endeavour to respond to all of your queries and suggestions but please bear with me if I do not always respond immediately because I am presently immersed in other conversations about the War in Ukraine and our practical response to it in the Calder Valley, UK and indeed across Europe.
Halifax Minster – Covid Memorial Service March 20
At the service a candle will be lit for each person who has died and an artwork installation to remember all those affected by the pandemic will be on display for the first time. The artwork, made up of the thousands of prayer cards and messages hung on our Remembrance Trees over the past 2 years, will be hung in the Minster’s tower in front of the West Window where it can be seen from inside and out. It will be floodlit with the colours of the rainbow to represent the hope shown by communities during the difficult times of the pandemic.
You would be most welcome to join us at the service on Sunday March 20th at 4pm . Please feel free to pass on this invitation to others who may wish to attend.
With every good wish
Carer-Focussed Rapid-Learning Pandemic Legacy Projects – Up to £10k by 31st January
Carer-Focussed Rapid-Learning Pandemic Legacy Projects – Up to 10k Available for Successful Projects – Deadline Monday 31st January at 17:00!
The Commitment to Carers Programme team of NHS England & NHS Improvement is looking forward to receiving project bids from Voluntary Sector organisations on the theme of capturing learning and best practice around supporting unpaid carers / family members during the COVID pandemic response, including increasing uptake of vaccination of unpaid carers.
Our belief is that there have been innovative approaches developed at a local/ community level for which some funding will help to evaluate, sustain, communicate and spread best practices for wider benefit and inform and embed more collaborative ways of working going forward.
Submission deadline: 17.00hrs Monday 31st January 2022.
For More Information – Click Here to Download the Supporting Document!Click Here to Download the Project Bid Form! If you have any queries email: england.nhsthinkcarer@nhs.net and put NHS E&I Carer Spring 2022 Project in the subject line for easy identification.
Helping you stay safe, well and Winter Wise
Residents in Calderdale will soon receive important advice to support them to stay warm, safe and well throughout this winter.
The latest version of the Winter Wise guide is being sent to all households in Calderdale, with updated advice on a range of topics to help support residents through the winter period.
The guide has been created by Calderdale Council in partnership with the Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and is also available to view at www.calderdale.gov.uk/winter. It contains important advice to help with issues that we may have during winter months, such as preparing for extreme weather events, energy saving tips and how to boost mental wellbeing.
This year’s guide also includes extra information about how we can boost our immunity this winter, with specific guidance on the COVID-19 booster campaign and flu jabs and the importance of getting these vaccines. There’s also a section providing further advice for those with health conditions such as diabetes and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
To support local health and care services and reduce pressures on these services, the guide also signposts people to the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This includes support on self-care and the use of local pharmacies, as well as advice about contacting GP surgeries or seeking urgent emergency care. More information is also available at https://togetherwe-can.com/
Calderdale Lower Valley blog 