Covid 19

[SteveH]

World not ready for next pandemic, says Bupa boss

Governments and healthcare bodies around the world have not learnt the lessons from Covid-19 and are not ready for another pandemic, according to the boss of private healthcare firm Bupa.

"We might face [another pandemic] soon," I?aki Ere?o said.

Hospitals must be ready to treat infected and non-infected people separately, Mr Ere?o told the BBC.

In the UK the unprecedented number of hospital admissions caused by Covid-19 put the NHS under severe strain.

"The main question is: have we all [around the world] learned a lot, so next time we are ready? My belief is that is not the case," Mr Ere?o said.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65419126

[SteveH]

For those who have never been vaccinated against Covid19, there is still time to be vaccinated............please note not boosters

Getting a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
Everyone aged 5 (on or before 31 August 2022) and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Children who turned 5 on or after 1 September 2022 can only get a 1st and 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they?re either:

at increased risk due to a health condition or because of a weakened immune system
living with someone who has a weakened immune system
If you have not had a 1st or 2nd dose yet, you're still eligible and should get them as soon as possible.

cont https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-1st-and-2nd-dose-of-the-covid-19-vaccine/

[SteveH]

Update on above ..

Health leaders have expressed concerns about a dip in UK vaccine uptake since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and have pledged a 'laser-like' focus to bring the rates up. NHS officials warned about a fall in the number of pre-schoolers up to date with vaccinations.

Maria Caulfield, the under-secretary of state for mental health and women's health strategy, hinted that flu jabs would be extended to more schoolchildren over winter, despite no other plans for mandatory vaccines. Ms Caulfield, speaking in the House of Commons, said a 'certain threshold' is required for 'any vaccination programme for them to be effective'.

The MP said the rates are 'a concern', but the UK has 'one of the most extensive immunisation programmes' in the world, with vaccine confidence and uptake 'amongst the highest globally'. And despite 'some challenges', the UK is 'pretty well placed to deal with many of those'.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/health-leaders-promise-laser-like-focus-after-worrying-drop-in-vaccine-uptake/

[SteveH]

ANYONE eligible for a Covid-19 Autumn booster can now head to vaccination centres across North Wales.

Drop in vaccinations will be available at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's (BCUHB) community vaccination clinics from today (Thursday, December 7). Locations, dates and times of clinics in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire are available on the BCUHB website.

Eligible groups include people aged 65 and over, anyone with a long-term health condition, and people who live with or care for someone who is more vulnerable to Covid-19. Pregnant women will be also be offered a Covid-19 autumn booster.

Health and care staff will also be offered a flu vaccine when they drop in to clinics.

If you have already received a letter with details of your booster appointment, you can stick to the date and time on your letter or choose to drop into a vaccination centre at an earlier date. If you choose to drop in, there is no need to contact BCUHB to cancel your appointment.

A spokesperson for the health board said: "You may face a short wait at busier times. Please be prepared to help our teams by waiting for a slot to become available.

Teams have so far delivered more than 140,000 Covid-19 Autumn booster vaccines to many of the most vulnerable people in North Wales.

"The vaccines help to protect people who are more vulnerable to these potentially serious viruses. They reduce the chances of you catching Covid-19 or flu, and will reduce the likely severity of your symptoms if you do.

"They also help to protect the wider community from outbreaks, and reduce the pressure on local NHS services during the busiest time of the year.

"Getting vaccinated now will boost your protection in time for Christmas ? helping you and your family to enjoy the festive season with the best possible protection against winter viruses."

Conwy ....Drop in list...........https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/drop-in-for-your-covid-19-autumn-booster-and-flu-vaccine-now/conwy/