coronavirus

Vaccination chief urges people to get boosted as West Yorkshire hits the half million milestone

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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

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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

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[ Message from Debs Harkins, Director of Public Health and Jackie Addison, Head of HR&OD – abbreviated ]

COVID-19 Autumn 2022 Boosters overview

With 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

Look out for each other during the heatwave and rising Covid cases

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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

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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:

  1. If you’ve tested positive or you have symptoms, stay at home if you can and try to stay away from others.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

CCG Calderdale COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Update – June 30th 2022

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On 1 July 2022, NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will become part of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB). This will be the last programme update issued by the CCG. These will start again later in the year from the ICB. Key contacts and useful links have been updated at the end of this update.

Latest data for Calderdale, up to 27 June 2022:

Key messages to share:

  • It’s not too late to get your first, second or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination – these remain available to all who are eligible, and you will be welcomed with open arms. Book an appointment or visit a walk-in clinic nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119 for free.
  • If you still need a spring booster we strongly encourage you to book an appointment online, call 119 or find a convenient walk-in site. nhs.uk/covid-vaccination
  • The spring booster will give you protection against Coronavirus during summer. If you’re having a summer holiday in August, getting your spring booster before the end of June will give time for you to gain maximum protection ahead of your trip.
  • Getting a spring booster dose before the end of June will allow enough time before the next seasonal dose to extend protection over winter, and against any possible resurgence in infection levels.
  • When the time comes, the NHS will be inviting eligible people for a seasonal dose during autumn/winter. You may also be able to get your flu vaccination in the same visit.
  • Children aged 5 to 11 are still eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and can get their second dose 12 weeks after their first. Find out more and book and appointment nhs.uk/covid-vaccination
  • Going abroad? Don’t forget to check your NHS COVID pass. Set up your account at least two weeks before you want to use the digital pass. You can also get the pass in other formats including letter, audio and Braille. These can take seven days to arrive. If you think your COVID pass is incorrect the national Vaccine Data Resolution team can help. Contact them by calling 119. Please note, they can take up to 10 days to resolve issues. nhs.uk/nhscovidpass

Programme highlights:

  • The Spring Campaign started on the 21 March to offer an additional booster dose, to those most at risk. Calderdale have now offered a spring booster to all those eligible over 75 and are ensuring that all those who are 12+ immunosuppressed have received an offer.
  • All older people care homes have been visited to offer spring boosters.
  • Calderdale continue to offer appointments and walk-in availability to everyone eligible for their booster and anyone who wishes to get their first or second dose.

Looking ahead:

  • The JCVI has issued interim advice on the autumn campaign JCVI provides interim advice on an autumn COVID-19 booster programme – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • The JCVI and the local vaccination programme recognises the uncertainty around any future waves or variants of COVID-19. In Calderdale we are preparing for the Autumn campaign and possible surge vaccination against this uncertainty.

Key contact and useful links

CCG Calderdale COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Update – June 2022

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Calderdale Clinical Commissioning group would like to encourage everyone eligible for a Covid vaccination to take the opportunity to protect themselves and others from coronavirus.

Latest data for Calderdale, up to 6th June 2022:

  • 429,023 Vaccinations administered to date to Calderdale residents of which 118,421 first Boosters/ 3rd doses
  • As of 26th May over 14,500 spring boosters have been administered (the programme started on the 21 March), which is >70% of the eligible cohort.

Key messages

  • It is great to see there are still approximately 500 people coming forward for their evergreen dose every week in Calderdale alone. It’s never too late to get a COVID-19 vaccination. If you haven’t had a first or second vaccination, or a booster, book an appointment or visit a walk-in clinic. It’s the best way to protect yourself, your family, and friends against COVID-19. Book on the following website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or call 119.
  • People aged 75 and over, and people aged 12 and over who are immunosuppressed are now eligible for a Spring booster vaccine. The NHS will contact eligible people to book their jab. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible have a look on the following website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or call 119.
  • Children aged 5 to 11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments are available to book on the NHS website or by calling 119.

Read more:  NHS COVID-19 vaccinations start for all 5 – 11 year olds – NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) (calderdaleccg.nhs.uk)

Programme highlights

  • The Spring Campaign started on the 21 March to offer an additional Booster dose, to those most at risk. Calderdale are approximately 2-3 weeks away from completion of the campaign.
  • 31 out of 32 Older people care homes have been visited to offer Spring Boosters.
  • Calderdale continue to offer appointments and walk-in availability to everyone eligible for their booster and anyone who wishes to get their first or second dose.

Looking ahead

  • The JCVI and the local vaccination programme recognises the uncertainty around any future waves or variants of COVID-19. The JCVI have issued interim advice that an Autumn Covid-19 Booster Programme should be offered to
    • residents in a care home for older adults and staff
    • frontline health and social care workers
    • all those 65 years of age and over and
    • adults aged 16 to 64 years who are in a clinical risk group
  • Remaining older people care home will receive their visit week commencing 6th June 2022. Practices and Community Pharmacies visiting housebound patients over 75 years to administer Spring Boosters.
  • Continue to progress our plans for offering vaccinations in local communities

Key contact and useful links