Help stop the spread of winter illnesses in Cornwall
With winter illnesses affecting many people in the community and some hospital patients, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is encouraging people to take up seasonal vaccinations to help to stop the spread to others ahead of Christmas.
As part of the Stay Well winter campaign, NHS Cornwall is urging those eligible for vaccination to come forward and book.
From Friday, December 20, you will no longer be able to book winter vaccinations online or via NHS 119, however, you can still visit a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site or find a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine, but you may have further to travel and appointments may be more limited.
The flu programme continues until March 31, although most GPs will have finished their seasonal vaccinations, and many community pharmacies will also stop. Check directly with your GP surgery to see if they are still offering flu vaccinations.
Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said “The first important step to keeping well this winter is ensuring you take up the vaccinations that you are eligible for. They’re offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at increased risk of complications from the flu and COVID viruses.
“To boost your immunity, we advise having the vaccines as soon as you can to maximise their protection over the winter months.”
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines help to protect those at greater risk against severe illness and admissions to hospital.
NHS England reported a recent ‘tidal wave’ spike as flu hit hospitals, increasing cases by 70% in 7 days. With other winter bugs, such as Norovirus and COVID-19 also on the rise across Cornwall and Isle of Scilly.
Vaccinations are available to people who:
- are 65 and over
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- in long-stay residential care
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system (immunosuppression)
Booking your vaccine
If you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, you can:
- click here to attend a walk-in clinic
- click here to find a local pharmacy offering flu vaccinations Please note, it’s worth checking if your local pharmacy offers flu vaccinations on a walk-in basis, as many will still offer this service, even if they aren’t offering bookable appointments online.
- ask your GP. Some surgeries are still offering flu vaccinations.
Dr Chris Reid added “When you’re feeling under the weather, remember to rest, stay warm and keep hydrated. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help make you more comfortable.
“If you’ve got symptoms of an infectious illness, please keep away from people who are vulnerable, especially hospitals and care homes.”
Winter tips to stop the spread
· Wash your hands often throughout the day. If you have small children, make sure they wash their hands especially important before eating, after using the loo, and after being in public places. You can also use hand sanitiser if you don’t have access to soap and water, but it won’t be effective against all illnesses such as Norovirus.
· Please don’t go to a health setting such as the emergency department and our minor injury units if you suspect you have norovirus, COVID-19 or flu. Please use our NHS 111 online service first for advice.
· You can treat most winter illnesses at home, so take it easy and look after yourself. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated, lack of sleep and dehydration can slow your recovery.
· Pharmacists can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies, if you need it.
· GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu as they don’t work on viral infections, and they won’t relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
· There are places that can help during the week, evenings and weekends. There are 10 minor injury units in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. In Cornwall, it is useful to check waiting times before you leave as your nearest may not be able to treat you the quickest.
· Always call 999 if it’s a life-threatening illness or injury.
Click here to visit our webpage for advice on ‘where is best’ this winter for health and care services and follow our Facebook page to see winter stay well messages reminding people from different groups and backgrounds about the benefits of getting vaccinated.