No images? Click here Issue: 121 Date: 28 October 2021 FeaturedParents urged to book lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination for their 12 to 15-year-old childrenParents can now book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment for their 12 to 15-year-old children through the National Booking Service as the NHS pulls out all the stops to protect people ahead of winter. This provides an additional option for parents, alongside school teams who have already vaccinated nearly half a million young people. 12-year-old Thomas (pictured right) had his vaccine to protect himself, his family, classmates and teachers. Book your child's vaccination now. People aged 16 or over can still book a vaccination appointment through the National Booking Service. We are also encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated. Since July, one in five COVID-19 patients receiving treatment have been expectant mums who are yet to have their first vaccine. Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwifery Officer shared a video on the importance of pregnant and breastfeeding women getting the vaccine, and she joined an expert panel to answer questions. If you cannot book online, call 119 free of charge, between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week to make your appointment. You can also get vaccinated at your nearest walk-in centre without the need for a pre-booked appointment. Get your COVID-19 booster vaccinationLast week a record number of COVID-19 booster vaccination appointments were booked, with more than 800,000 people vaccinated in just 72 hours. Half of eligible people aged 50 and over have already had their booster vaccine and we have invited 2 million more to get vaccinated this week. If you are 50 or over, or 16 and over with a health condition that puts you at high risk from COVID-19, you will receive a text or letter inviting you to book an appointment through the National Booking Service. If you have not been contacted and it's been 6 months and 1 week (190 days) since your 2nd dose, please book your appointment using the National Booking Service. Research suggests if you get COVID-19 and flu at the same time, you’re more likely to be seriously ill. It’s important to remember that the COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t protect against flu and the flu vaccine doesn’t protect against COVID-19. This video explains why it’s more important than ever for eligible people to book both vaccinations now. Tim (pictured right), who has had both vaccinations, said: “Being over 60, getting a booster was the right choice for me. I also took the flu jab as it could be a really bad one this year”. Third primary doses for immunosuppressed peopleSome people are eligible for a third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine because they are immunosuppressed, either because of an underlying health condition or a long-term chronic condition where medication affects their immunity. This third primary dose is different from a booster as set out above. Clinicians are identifying patients who may need a third dose because they are immunosuppressed. Many people will also have received a direct letter from the NHS advising that they may be eligible, which they can use to discuss options with their GP or consultant if they have not done so already. Patients who have not yet been contacted but think they are eligible should speak to their consultant. Latest newsThousands of patients to benefit from sickle cell drugThousands of patients in England living with sickle cell disease are set to receive the first new treatment in over two decades. The treatment, Crizanlizumab, is delivered by transfusion and binds to a protein in the blood cells to prevent the restriction of blood and oxygen supply that leads to a sickle cell crisis. Not only will the drug allow people living with sickle cell disease to have a better quality of life, but it will also reduce the number of times they need to visit A&E. NHS chief calls on people to consider life-changing careers in the health serviceThis year’s ‘We are the NHS’ campaign launched last week, with Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive urging young people to take the best decision they’ll ever make and begin a career in the NHS. Amanda said working for the NHS “lets you live a thousand lives” through the patients and families you care for. Whatever your skills, qualifications or interests, there is a career for you in the NHS and there’s never been a better time to join us. Watch the campaign video and search NHS careers to find out more. Improving health while tackling climate changeThis month marks a year on from our commitment to becoming the world’s first health service to reach net zero carbon emissions and respond to climate change, improving health now and for future generations. We are working with colleagues across the NHS and our partners to achieve our ambitions. At Milton Keynes University Hospital, solar panels will generate more than 15% of the total electricity the hospital uses. At Newcastle Birthing Centre, baby Rosie’s mum was the first person in the UK to benefit from a climate friendly gas and air machine. Find out more about how the NHS is reducing its carbon footprint. NHS mental health coaches help thousands find workThe NHS Individual Placement and Support Scheme has helped thousands of people with mental health problems into employment during the pandemic. Stable employment helps people to maintain good mental health. Stephen, who had been unemployed for 15 years, is now working as a shop assistant in a major retail store. He said his new role has made him “feel a lot more confident” and his anxiety has “lowered considerably”. Celebrating Black History MonthThroughout this Black History Month, we’ve been recognising and celebrating the immense contributions of our black colleagues in shaping the past, present and future of the NHS, and here are just some examples: Dame Elizabeth Anionwu (pictured right) helped create the first nurse-led sickle cell screening centre. She also became the first sickle cell and thalassaemia specialist nurse in the NHS. Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent (pictured left), the first Chief Midwifery Officer for England, leads thousands of midwives and is improving care for mothers and their children. Wellington Makala (pictured right), the first black male chief nurse in the NHS, leads on quality, safety and patient experience at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. Anton Emmanuel, Head of the Workforce Race Equality Standard (pictured left), is improving the experience of black Asian and minority ethnic staff in the NHS. Get involvedPatient and public voice partner neededBy sharing their experiences with us, patient and public voice (PPV) partners make a real difference to the way we deliver services. PPV partners include patients, service users, carers, families and other members of the public. We are looking for a PPV partner to support our Mental Health Safety Improvement programme. More information about this role and the application process is on our Involvement hub. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 29 October. Breast Cancer Awareness Month – recognising the signs of cancerIt's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is another reminder of the importance of being aware of your breast health, regardless of your age. If you have an appointment for breast screening, it's important that you attend. And tell your doctor straightaway if you notice any unusual changes – don’t just wait until your next screening appointment. Learn how to check your breasts for signs of breast cancer. If you are living with breast cancer, you can access support on the Breast Cancer Now website. Every Mind Matters: looking after your mental healthAlmost half of adults in England said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental wellbeing, and younger adults are struggling the most. Every Mind Matters helps people look after their mental wellbeing. Take this short quiz to create your own free, personalised mind plan and get advice on how to cope with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control. |