Winter Wellness
Let’s all help reduce serious illness in our services and offices this winter
During winter we know that Covid-19 and flu rates increase along with other infectious illnesses, e.g. Norovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). These can be very serious for older people and multiple infections can weaken anyone’s immunity.
Everyone plays an important part in reducing winter illness spread. Thank you for your support to help us reduce the risk of winter illnesses and keep our doors open to visitors. Here are some important steps that we can all take to reduce the risk of spreading serious illness this winter.
- Wash your hands on arrival at a care home, and frequently during visits.
- Catch coughs or sneezes in a tissue, dispose of the tissue in a bin and sanitise your hands.
- Wear a mask as a precaution, and when infection is present. Our homes have plentiful supplies of masks available on arrival or from a staff member.
- Stay home if you feel unwell or have spent time with someone who is ill.
- Get your free* flu vaccination as soon as possible. *subject to eligibility
Many people are entitled to a free flu vaccination, or for a small charge. Book via the Boots Pharmacy portal or contact your local pharmacy.
Free flu vaccinations are available for the following groups
From September:
- Pregnant women (18+ years)
- Those who have been advised by their GP that they require an annual flu vaccination in September
From October:
- Age 65+ years
- Age 18+ years with eligible conditions: including diabetes, asthma (treated with a preventer inhaler), COPD, long-term heart condition, Kidney or liver disease, neurological condition such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease or MS, A learning disability, weakened immune system (or are in close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system). This list is not exhaustive, please check with your GP or pharmacy.
- Those in receipt of carer’s allowance, or the main carer of an older or disabled person
- Frontline healthcare worker in social care or a hospice that does not have an employer-led occupational health flu vaccination scheme
- Those living in long-stay residential care