How 12 to 15 year olds can get the COVID-19 vaccine

This week the government announced that local vaccination sites would play a part, alongside schools, in rolling out the COVID-19 vaccination programme to young people aged 12 to 15 years old. 

It means that young people aged 12 to 15 years old will be able to have their jab either at school or at a local vaccination site. 

If the vaccine is given at school, they will be unaccompanied. But if it's given at a local vaccination site, a parent or carer can go with them. 

The NHS will send a letter explaining this, and detailing the different process for consent if booking an appointment at a vaccination centre or receiving the vaccination at school. It will also explain how to book an appointment at a local vaccination centre. 

Once schools know when the immunisation team (Virgin Care) will be visiting them, they will write to parents to let them know and send information about the consent needed and the deadline for that consent to be given. 

Trained and experienced healthcare staff will administer the vaccinations in schools in a designated area with a team to check the required consent. Once your child has had their jab, they will be asked to rest for a short while in an observation area. 

If your child is absent on the day of the vaccination, or unable to be vaccinated but consent has been given, or if you would like to accompany your child during their vaccination, then you can book your child a vaccination appointment at a local vaccination centre via the National Booking System, with appointments often available as soon as the following day.

The government has produced guidance for parents, children and young people to explain the COVID-19 vaccination programme and answer frequently asked questions. We've listed them on our website.

Devon offers a warm welcome to visitors this half- term 

A warm welcome awaits visitors to Devon and Cornwall this half-term, but we're reminding tourists that coronavirus is still with us.

The South West is still very much open and welcoming visitors, and the October half-term holidays are expected to be busy, as crowds make the most of the last break before winter. But with case rates in Devon rising, we're asking everyone not be complacent about coronavirus. 

Adverts are being used in areas of the country, from where many visitors to the south west travel, politely reminding them of precautions to take ahead of their half-term break. 

"We want visitors to come, but just as we are encouraging Devon residents to take precautions, the same is true of visitors to our county," said Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon. 

"We just need to look at the rising case rates to see that coronavirus is still with us, and therefore it's important that we stay alert and do what we can to prevent its spread."

• if you have coronavirus or flu-type symptoms that may be COVID-19, please don't travel. Take a PCR test and self-isolate pending the result
• if you are travelling, and planning to be away for a while, remember to take some lateral flow device tests with you to use
• remember to take face coverings - although they're not mandatory, the advice is still to wear them when in crowded areas, or indoors with others, including public transport
• if you're meeting friends, try to make the most of the season by being outdoors, or ventilating your indoor space
• and if you've not yet had your vaccinations, please do so as soon as you're invited to

National award for supporting farmers during pandemic 

We've heard this week that a Devon-grown initiative to support farmers' mental health has won national praise.

Coronavirus has impacted all of us, but over the last two years farmers have been under more pressure than ever before, and that’s had dramatic effect on their mental health. According to the Farming Community Network, nearly half of all calls made to their helpline between July and October last year were related to mental health. 

So our Trading Standards service launched a project that brought together rural organisations and support services so those who were struggling knew that they weren't on their own and could access support.

It had to be remotely delivered, so online webinars provided the opportunity for farmers to hear from speakers about a range of topics and issues.    

And this week, the scheme was awarded the Chartered Trading Standards Institute's Hero Award.

Have you had your flu jab yet?

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all more aware of viruses and how poorly they can make us. So the NHS in Devon is reminding people to get their flu vaccination to give themselves the best possible protection against illness this winter.

An average of 11,000 people in England die from flu annually, and this year the government has warned that there could be a significant flu surge coinciding with continuing or rising COVID-19 cases due to colder weather and increased social contact indoors. 

Research shows that if you get flu and coronavirus at the same time, you're more likely to be seriously ill. It's also thought that more people are likely to get flu this winter as there won't be as much natural immunity due to lower levels of circulation last year during the national lockdowns. 

The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against flu so it is vital to have both your coronavirus and flu jab to reduce your chances of becoming unwell and needing hospital treatment. Getting vaccinated helps you and the NHS, which is already facing extreme pressures in the run up to the very busy winter season. 

Some people are eligible to get the flu jab free on the NHS because of their age or circumstances, and can book their flu vaccination appointment at their GP practice or local pharmacy. If you are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, you can still pay for one privately at a local pharmacy.

The people who brought us the ZOE COVID Study app have published a handy guide about flu, its symptoms, and how to keep safe this winter. It also describes the difference between flu and COVID-19. 

Devon households to get £5m to help with food, energy and water bills this winter

The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact on family budgets, and many people are finding it especially difficult now as we move into colder winter months. 

The government has announced a new Household Support Fund to help those most in need this winter. It will be available until Thursday 31 March 2022, and Devon's allocation of it will be just over £5 million.  

The fund is designed to support households in most need with food, energy and water bills, and other associated essential costs. 

We're working with the eight district councils in Devon, and other partners, to make the funding available as quickly as possible. Details for how households can access the funding will be available as soon as it is confirmed.