covid19uk

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

CCG Calderdale COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Update – May 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 5th May 2022:

  • 427, 937 Vaccinations administered to date to Calderdale residents of which 117, 815 first Boosters/ 3rd doses
  • As of 5th May over 10, 000 spring boosters have been administered (the programme started on the 21 March), which is 50% of the eligible cohort.
  • Between 500 – 1,000 people come forward for their first or second dose every week in Calderdale. 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 http://www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119.
  • People aged 75 and over, and people aged 12 and over who are immunosuppressed are 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 at the NHS website http://www.nhs.uk/covid-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 halfway through completion of the campaign.
  • 30 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.
  • We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to those of you who have helped us to deliver over 2,000 conversations on our behalf, we couldn’t have delivered this engagement without you, which has helped to shape the programme. You can read the full report by clicking on the link below https://www.calderdaleccg.nhs.uk/download/experience-covid-vaccination/

Looking ahead

  • 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.
  • Remaining older people in care homes will receive their visit by 25th May 2022. Practices and Community Pharmacies visiting housebound patients over 75 years to administer Spring Boosters.
  • Further action being taken to improve uptake of people who are immunosuppressed.

Key contact and useful links

Calderdale Covid Vaccine Engagement Report March 2022

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NHS Calderdale CCG worked with partners in Calderdale (Healthwatch, Local Authority, and the Voluntary Sector) to understand the views and experiences of people living in Calderdale of the COVID vaccine.

We wanted to give people the opportunity to help influence how we shape the operational delivery of the vaccine delivery model in Calderdale and the messages we share; through understanding and learning what the public views are of the COVID vaccine and understanding any concerns or misinformation that people may have heard.

We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to those of you who have helped us to deliver over 2000 conversations on our behalf, we couldn’t have delivered this engagement without you.

You can read the full report by clicking on the link below https://www.calderdaleccg.nhs.uk/download/experience-covid-vaccination/

CCG Calderdale COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Update – April 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 31 March 2022

  • 446,400 Vaccinations administered to-date to Calderdale residents, of which 126,047 were first Boosters/3rd doses.
  • 95% booster uptake for eligible Cohorts 1-9 in Calderdale.
  • 1,327 Spring Booster doses given since the Campaign was launched on the 21 March
  • Key messages to share:
  • 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.
  • 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. Read more: NHS begins Spring booster vaccinations this week – NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) (calderdaleccg.nhs.uk)
  • 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, around 6 months after the last vaccine dose to;
    • adults aged 75 years and over
    • residents in a care home for older adults
    • individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed.
  • The roving vaccination team visited William Henry Smith School to vaccinate children and young people at higher risk. The team also administered more vaccines to our Asylum seeker community in Halifax.
  • 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.
  • People who have been involved and supported the programme were thanked in March. If you have been involved in the programme and haven’t yet received your Thank You card, you can get one by contacting calccg.serviceimprovementccg@nhs.net
  • Looking ahead:
  • COVID-19 vaccinations for all children 5–11-years-old. National invitations are being sent to parents/ carers with a 5–11-year-old. This will be done in descending age order.
  • We are continually reviewing data and insight to shape the programme. To ensure no-one is left behind.
  • 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