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COVID-19

Stay Well This Winter: NHS Dorset Offers Expert Advice on Flu, COVID-19, and Minor Illnesses

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the Halloween season brings ghostly apparitions to our streets, the NHS in Dorset reminds families that winter bugs are also on the rise. The healthcare system is now offering expert advice on where to seek help for flu, COVID-19, and minor illnesses, ensuring that families can access the right care at the right time. Dr. Paul Johnson, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Dorset ICB, emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations and knowing where to go for help.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHS in Dorset is reminding parents and carers to be aware of the rise in winter bugs, not just ghosts and ghouls, around Halloween.
  • Free flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics are running throughout the holidays and beyond for eligible people.
  • Dr. Paul Johnson advises parents to know where to go for help, as this can help avoid unnecessary trips to busy emergency departments.
  • Children often pick up coughs, colds, and other bugs once the weather turns, making timely action crucial.
  • Many pharmacies are open in the evenings and at weekends and offer special walk-in flu clinics for two and three-year-olds using the free nasal spray vaccination.
  • People can also book in at their GP practice for flu vaccinations, and there is a dedicated webpage for more information, Flu Fighters Stay Well Dorset.
  • The school immunisation programme will deliver flu vaccinations to school-age children.
  • Parents and carers are reminded to return consent forms for these vaccinations.
  • Flu and COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinics are open during the half-term holiday for eligible groups, including older children, teenagers, and adults at higher risk.
  • The NHS encourages families to use the following options for minor illnesses: think Pharmacy First, NHS 111 online, call 111, Minor Injuries Units (MIUs), Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs), or book appointments at pharmacies or GP practices.
  • In life-threatening situations, call 999 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Statistics:

  • Free flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics are running throughout the holidays and beyond.
  • Many pharmacies are offering special walk-in flu clinics for two and three-year-olds using the free nasal spray vaccination.
  • The school immunisation programme will deliver flu vaccinations to around 70% of school-age children.
  • Up to 80% of eligible families make use of the free flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
  • NHS 111 online can book appointments at pharmacies, Minor Injuries Units, Urgent Treatment Centres, or GP practices if needed.

Sources:

  • Dr. Paul Johnson, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Dorset ICB
  • NHS Dorset ICB
  • NHS 111 online
  • Pharmacy Stay Well Dorset
  • Community walk-in clinics Stay Well Dorset
  • Flu Fighters Stay Well Dorset
  • Kooth.com, a free online counselling service for young people aged 11 to 25

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