 Adults at high risk from flu are also most at risk from coronavirus (COVID-19), and research suggests that the risk of death more than doubles for people who catch both.
So the free flu vaccine is more important than ever to help protect people in Devon from a double threat this winter and ease pressure on the NHS.
People aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women will be offered the flu vaccine first through their GP or pharmacy, along with two and three-year-old children.
All primary school children and, for the first time, Year 7 children will be offered the flu ‘nasal spray’ in schools to reduce community transmission.
Vaccinating your child for flu will help protect more vulnerable friends and family.
If you haven’t already done it, don’t forget to complete an online consent form for your child.
It’s National Adoption Week (12-18 October) and Adopt South West is appealing for potential adopters to come forward. Research shows that lots of people have considered adoption, or would consider adopting in the future, but only 25% believed they would be eligible to in the South West.
People can adopt from a variety of backgrounds, including single parents, people from all religions, people from the LGBTQ+ community and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Read Jenny's adoption story.
We are urging people from any background who are considering adoption to take the next steps. The adoption process has changed over the years; it is simpler and quicker than it has been previously and there is a lot more support available.
Kath Drescher, Service Manager of Adopt South West adds:
“This National Adoption Week, our aim is to dispel myths around who is eligible to adopt and highlight that, especially during the COVID pandemic, there are still children out there who are looking for their new family."
Start your adoption journey with us at Adopt South West.
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Sons and Daughters Month is The Fostering Network’s annual campaign to celebrate the vital contribution that the children of foster carers make to foster care.
Those growing up in a fostering household have to share their parents, their toys and their friends, as well as sometimes cope with challenges other children do not face. However, it is very clear from those we have spoken to that they wouldn’t change things for the world.
Throughout the month, Fostering Devon is sharing stories and quotes from the sons and daughters of Devon foster carers. Here are some of the stories…
The life prospects of many of Devon’s most vulnerable children are looking up thanks to public services joining forces to deliver improved speech and language support.
Approximately 360,500 children and young people in Devon need some form of support, and many have not been recognised as needing help.
Devon County Council and the NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group are asking professionals who work in both the public and private sectors to learn more about children’s speech, language and communication needs, to support the identification of those most in need of support – to ensure every child has a fulfilling and rewarding life.
Additionally, they are asking parents, carers and their families to learn more about the importance of speech and language development so they can help their children to communicate and know what to do if they have any concerns.
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