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This year’s autumn flu and COVID-19 vaccine programmes will start earlier than planned in England as a precautionary measure following the identification of a new COVID-19 variant.
Vaccinations are now set to start on 11 September 2023 in England with adult care home residents and those most at risk to receive vaccines first. Those who are eligible include people in care homes for older people, the clinically vulnerable, those aged 65 and over, health and social care staff, and carers. If you are eligible, you are urged to come forward for your jab as soon as you’re invited. People who are most at risk will be invited first.
The precautionary measure is being taken as scientists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) examine the new variant, which has been named BA.2.86. While BA.2.86 is not currently classified as a variant of concern, advice from UKHSA suggests that speeding up the autumn vaccine programme will deliver greater protection, supporting those at greatest risk of severe illness and reducing the potential impact on the NHS.
The annual flu vaccine will also be made available to these groups at the same time wherever possible, to ensure they are protected ahead of winter.
There is no change to the wider public health advice at this time.
The Director of Public Health for Redbridge, Gladys Xavier, said:
“As we learn more about each new variant of Covid-19, we are able to act flexibly with the vaccination programme to ensure it is delivered at the best time to protect those of us at greatest risk. The UK’s vaccination programme has been successful at building a strong immune defence across the population, but the booster programme will allow us to protect those people who are most vulnerable to serious illness from the virus.”
Councillor Mark Santos, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said:
“It is really important that everyone who is eligible for the Covid-19 booster and flu jab can receive a vaccine to strengthen their immunity, at the right time. I strongly encourage anyone invited for a vaccination to take up that offer, including anyone who is yet to have their first jab.”
The ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign is one of the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness events and takes place every year led by the charity Blood Pressure UK.
This year’s campaign runs from 4 -10 September 2023 and the Redbridge Borough Partnership will be hosting a number of events where we are encouraging residents, especially those over the age of 40, to get to know their numbers.
High blood pressure, which rarely has noticeable symptoms, increases your risk of heart attack or stroke if left untreated, which is why knowing your numbers could save your life.
Did you know?
- Around 41,000 people in Redbridge have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
- Around 22,000 people are living with heart and circulatory diseases in Redbridge
- Heart and circulatory diseases kill more than 1 in 5 people in Redbridge
The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure tested which you can easily do at a community pharmacy.
If you would like to get your blood pressure tested and get more information on cardiovascular disease and lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent this, you can visit one of our mobile clinics.
- Thursday 7th September, 10:00-14:00 at High Road, Ilford (outside the Town Hall)
- Friday 8th September, 14:00-16:00 at Ilford Islamic Centre, IG1 1HL
- Friday 22nd September, 10:00-14:00 at Wanstead High Road
- Tuesday 3rd October, 10:00-13:00 at Hainault Forest Community Association, IG7 4DF
Cycle September is a fun, free, and friendly biking challenge for you and your community. Bike beginners and regular riders alike can take part and you can ride anywhere, any time in September.
Upcoming events
Free guided rides in September, organised by Cycle Confident:
Loxford Park - Saturday 9 September, 10:00-11:00. Find out more.
Goodmayes Park - Saturday 9 September, 11:30-13:00. Find out more.
Fairlop Water - Saturday 16 September, 09:00-10:30. Find out more.
Valentines Park - Saturday 16 September, 10:30-12:00. Find out more.
Cycle Confident - free cycle training, group rides and Dr Bike
The London Borough of Redbridge is committed to making the borough a more cycle-friendly place. To encourage cycling, the following FREE services are on offer from Cycle Confident to anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough:
- FREE Cycle Skills
- Group Cycle Training
- Schools Cycle Training
- Group bike rides
- For Dr Bike Sessions
Most cuts and grazes can be treated at home. But some wounds may need to be treated by a medical professional if there's a risk of infection, if the injury is serious, or if you have recently had an operation.
Simple wound care services are available to all patients over the age of 16 who are registered with a GP practice in Redbridge. The services support patients with managing wounds such as skin ulcers, first degree burns, post-surgical sutures, clips removal and routine dressings.
You can book an appointment online. If you are unable to book online, then you can book by calling 07935 534 762.
The phone number is open Monday to Friday from 3:30pm to 6pm. This does not include weekends and bank holidays.
 Every year, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. We are encouraging residents to complete a free suicide awareness training course. It should take just 20 minutes and can be done at your own pace.
The training will help you to gain the skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide. At the end of the training, you will be equipped to:
- Spot suicide warning signs
- Have a conversation with someone you are worried about
- Know where to signpost to for further support
Upcoming workshops:
5th September, 13:00-14:00: Communal suicide prevention
7th September, 13:00-14:00: Self-harm awareness
26th September (more dates to be added): Demystifying self-harm
Email safeconnections@mindthnr.org.uk to book onto the communal suicide prevention and self-harm awareness workshops.
Have you lost a loved one to suicide?
Mind offers free, confidential and non-judgemental suicide bereavement support to anyone who has lost someone to suicide. You can access this support via the following link:
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