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Welcome to this week's newsletter, published for adult social care providers.
We once again thank all providers for their ongoing hard work in challenging times.
This week’s issue comes out as we are awaiting for further information about the latest COVID-19 variant and its implications for adult social care. We will continue to make sure you are informed of any changes to national guidance or local advice.
We keep the content and structure of our PEN website up-to-date and your suggestions on how to improve the website are always welcome.
New rules in response to Omicron variant
The Prime Minister has introduced new restrictions in response to concerns over the new Omicron COVID-19 variant being identified in the UK, because there are fears that it could be more infectious and less responsive to vaccines.
 Care workers urged to take up COVID-19 booster vaccine
Domiciliary and care home staff, who had their second coronavirus vaccinations at least six months ago, are being encouraged to come forward for their booster vaccinations at the earliest opportunity, to maintain protection against COVID-19 for themselves as well as those they care for.
"With winter just around the corner, and the expected rise in flu cases this year on top of the usual health and social care winter pressures, it's vital that care workers stay on top of their vaccinations," says Steve Brown.
"Making time in the working day is difficult, I know, but there are a number of ways to minimise the time it takes to get your jab.
"Frontline social care staff can book their vaccination through the National Booking System or by contacting 119, and they can make appointments at either the mass vaccination centres or there are a number of community pharmacies offering boosters.
"Appointments can be booked from five months following their second jab, for an appointment slot timed six months after your vaccination.
"There are also a number of permanent walk-in centres and pop-up sites at locations around the county, that care staff can access.”
Recent data from the adult social care sector places Devon eight out of 152 authorities for booster vaccination take-up of care home staff working in older adult care homes, and shows Devon ranking seventh out of 152 local authorities for vaccination take-up by domiciliary care staff.
 COVID-19 vaccine continuing to prove effective
People who have received a booster or third COVID-19 vaccination are on average around two-thirds less likely to be infected, compared to those who have had two doses of the vaccine, according to the latest findings.
The study, by Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI, involved over 100,000 volunteers. It's latest findings also show a decline in prevalence, with one in 64 people now infected with the virus, compared to one in 58 people, identified in their last study.
Pregnant women urged to get COVID-19 vaccine following new UK safety data
Catching COVID-19 carries far higher risk than having the vaccine and only 22% of women who gave birth in August were vaccinated.
A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) study provides more safety data on COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy.
Analysis by the UKHSA in women giving birth has reinforced international evidence that COVID-19 vaccines have a good safety record in pregnant women.
Protect yourself and your baby by having the flu vaccine
NHS advice states that during pregnancy, a mother’s immune system is weakened, meaning they’re less able to fight off infections, more likely to be admitted to hospital with flu and more at risk of complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
Clara Southby, Interim Maternity Matron for Community and Outpatients, at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said:
"Having flu when pregnant can put you and your baby at a greater risk of severe complications, so we would encourage anyone who is pregnant to have the seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible.
"We’re likely to have lower immunity this year because of lockdowns during the flu season last winter. It’s more important than ever to have the vaccine to protect you and your baby. The best time to have the flu vaccine is in the autumn and it is safe to have at any stage in pregnancy."
The flu vaccination is seasonal and based on the flu strains that are currently circulating. This means that pregnant women need to have the vaccination this autumn, even if they had it last year. It's not a live vaccine, which means it can’t give you flu and it is safe to have both during pregnancy and if you are breastfeeding.
You can have the jab when you come to the Maternity Department for your scan or clinic appointment. Alternatively, you can book an appointment via your pharmacy or your GP. Any adult who is eligible can find a nearby pharmacy offering the NHS flu vaccine online.
Winter vaccinations: COVID-19 not the only risk to health
Dr. Éamonn O'Moore from the UK Health Security Agency, returns with a new blog encouraging care staff to have their seasonal flu vaccinations. Flu is often considered to be a relatively trivial infection, but in truth, can be very serious and even life-threatening.
Meanwhile, frontline health and social care workers can help spread the message, not the virus, with printed materials available to order from the Winter Vaccination campaign site. Digital versions of campaign assets are available to download here.
Study finds vaccination gives better immunity than infection
The ZOE COVID study, which Kings College London provides scientific analysis for, has compared vaccine-induced with natural immunity and found that while being infected with COVID-19 can provide some level of antibody protection, it’s not guaranteed for everyone and the level of protection is lower than in people who have been vaccinated.
Guidance roundup: supported living, care home visits and staff movement
Guidance intended for use by care providers in supported living settings was updated on Monday 22 November. Many of the principles are applicable to extra care housing and may also be a useful resource for the wider supported housing sector, including retirement or sheltered housing.
Please also check the latest guidance on care home visits updated on Thursday 25 November.
Visiting arrangements in care homes
This guidance was updated on Thursday 25 November setting out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents.
Restricting workforce movement between care homes and other care settings
Guidance for care home providers on limiting staff movement between settings to help reduce the spread of coronavirus infection was updated on Tuesday 23 November.
Self-declared exemptions in care homes replaced by clinical process on 24 December
With the self-declared exemption process for staff working in care homes ending on Friday 24 December, it's really important that anyone who needs to ensures they have completed the clinical process so they can continue to work.
Guidance on how to apply for official proof that, for medical reasons, you're unable to be vaccinated or unable to be vaccinated and tested for COVID-19.
Seasonal respiratory condition infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance
The guidance on infection prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections has been updated in a number of ways and must be carefully followed, with a range of documents covering different health and social care settings.
The guidance updates are accompanied by this statement and further information from the UK Health Security Agency.
Look after yourself this winter
NHS Devon is encouraging people to look after themselves and to have a better understanding of how to deal with minor illnesses, long-term conditions or prevent ill health.
The Self Care Forum is a national charity that aims to encourage self-care in everyday life. They have a factsheet to help people improve their health and wellbeing.
The NHS Devon website has more information about how you can take better care of yourself.
Blue Light Card offers wide range of discounts for staff
All adult social care and health staff are eligible for a Blue Light Card that offers a range of discounts online and in-store. There is a £5 charge to receive the card, but there are some significant discounts that make the investment worthwhile. All the information is available online to help you apply.
New illustrated personal protective equipment (PPE) guide for unpaid carers
This guide from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) should be used alongside guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family and local policies, where they exist, including care homes or day centres.
UKHSA is working with stakeholders to review the ‘How To Work Safely’ PPE guidance for care homes and domiciliary care and will update its content in the coming months.
Joining Up Care fortnightly updates
The Local Government Association (LGA) and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADDAS) are working with NHSX to improve people’s lives through the improved use of technology and data. Their fortnightly update with top news, new resources, tools and publications and other developments is available.
 COVID-19 case rates in Devon now among the highest in the country
Case rates in Devon have continued to rise, with Torridge now reaching more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 of the population - one of the highest case rates in the country.
"I urge everyone who is eligible for a booster or third vaccine, who hasn't yet had it, to take it up as soon as they can," said Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon.
"The latest Real-time Assessment of Community Transmission (REACT) study shows how effective the vaccine is at preventing people from becoming seriously ill from the virus."
New chair of the Integrated Care System Devon
Dr Sarah Wollaston has been appointed chair of the Integrated Care System for Devon for the next 12 months. A practising GP, Sarah was MP for Totnes from 2010 to 2019 and chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee for five years.
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