Health and wellbeing
Stay well this winter amid increase in winter illnesses
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Following simple steps can protect yourself and others from winter illnesses currently circulating at high levels, including flu and COVID-19.
As we head back to school and work following the festive break, Walsall residents are being reminded of simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from winter illnesses currently circulating at high levels, such as flu, COVID-19, Group A Strep and Norovirus.
It comes following back to school advice that was issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on 2 January 2023, emphasising that simple steps can help protect others and minimise the spread of illness within communities.
In addition, anyone aged 18 and over who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine (first, second or booster dose) or flu vaccine is urged to come forward to get vaccinated and ensure the best protection this winter. Pop-up vaccination clinics are taking place this month in Walsall Town Centre (Saturday 14 January, 9am to 1pm) and in Willenhall (Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 January, 9am to 1pm).
“ I hope everyone has had a peaceful festive break and New Year.
As we are now seeing an increase in winter illnesses, it is important that we continue to follow the simple measures many of us adopted. If you or your child does not feel well, stay at home until you feel better and avoid mixing with others, including those who are vulnerable to serious illness.
Catching coughs and sneezes with a tissue and keeping our hands clean with soap and water or sanitiser helps to kill viruses and bacteria.
Getting vaccinated will provide the best protection this winter and it is never too late to come forward. Children from two years upwards and eligible groups (50 or over, pregnant, health and social care workers or living with certain health conditions) can get a free flu vaccination. Contact your GP, local pharmacy or midwife to book your appointment or find out more.
Eligible groups may also be able to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Appointments can be booked through the NHS website or by calling 119. There are also several sites open across the borough, including pop-up clinics, where you can turn up without an appointment.
These simple steps do make a difference and can protect us throughout this winter. “
Notes to editor:
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On 2 January 2023, the UKHSA issued a press release which detailed back to school advice amid high levels of flu, COVID-19 and scarlet fever: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/back-to-school-advice-issued-amid-high-levels-of-flu-covid-19-and-scarlet-fever
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As students start to return to school, it’s important to be aware of the winter illnesses currently circulating and the best ways to protect your child and others. This blog from UKHSA lists 5 things that can help: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2023/01/05/back-to-school-5-things-to-do-to-help-manage-winter-illness/
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Pop-up vaccination clinics have been set up in the Black Country to encourage people to come forward for a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine. Anyone aged 18 and over who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine (first, second or booster dose) or flu vaccine, is encouraged to walk in at locations across Walsall and the Black Country: https://blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/health-advice/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination/pop-up-clinics
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Walsall residents can search for their nearest COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site on the NHS website: https://bit.ly/GrabAJab-Walsall
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The NHS lists all the pharmacies offering the flu vaccination on their website: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy-nhs-flu-vaccine-service/location/results/walsall
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Information about the winter vaccinations, including eligibility, can be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
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