One of the ways we're doing this in Kent and Medway is by recruiting Covid-19 Community Champions to help share information about how to stay healthy and safe.
Kent County Council, Medway Council and NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group are working together to recruit local people to:
• Update their community with the latest information.
• Talk to groups most at risk (including older people and BAME communities) to help them stay safe.
• Promote positive lifestyles, including healthy eating and physical activity.
Anyone interested can sign up to attend fortnightly champion update meetings and receive regular updates.
To register or find out more, Email: abmchampions@medway.gov.uk
Get your flu vaccine and spread the word
The flu vaccination provides protection from the virus which is common throughout winter. Vaccinations began in September and will continue over the winter months, with appointments available throughout the season (so there is still plenty of time to book).
Priority is given to those who are most at risk of complications from flu. GP practices and pharmacies are receiving phased deliveries of the vaccine and flu clinics are scheduled to coincide with these deliveries. By staggering appointments over the winter months, the NHS can help protect as many people as possible from flu.
If you know you're on of the at risk groups, because for instance you have a long term condition such as asthma, are pregnant, or disabled, you should speak to your GP surgery or local pharmacy about the vaccination.
Parents and carers of two and three year olds should receive an invitation for their child to have the vaccination at their GP practice before the winter. If you haven’t heard by early November, contact the practice directly to make an appointment.
For primary school-aged children and those in Year 7 at secondary school, a vaccination session will be held at school during the autumn term. Your local healthcare team will contact you via the school.
Carers and those who live with people who are required to shield are also eligible for the flu vaccine.
Help spread the message in your community by sharing this message and this link to a new flu awareness video
Cold weather alerts
Public Health England's cold weather alert service, operated by the Met Office, is moving to a new, upgraded platform. Current and new users must register their Email address with the new system by the 1st November. Due to compliance with GDPR, it is not possible to subscribe current users to the new system automatically.
The service begins on 1st November 2020 when the current distribution list will be retired and the service will only be delivered to those who have signed up via GovDelivery. Click here to register
Find out more about the cold weather plan and health on the government website
Medway and Swale
Swale CVS is looking for volunteers willing to do weekly shopping for elderly or vulnerable people who are unable to go themselves. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. If you think you can help, please contact Zoe on 01795 473828 or Email zoe.deveson@swalecvs.co.ukRead the full bulletin at https://bit.ly/3modxjr
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group
