Northumberland's top health official has urged eligible residents to get their coronavirus vaccine as cases of the virus rise.
Last week Northumberland County Council's interim director of public health, Liz Morgan, told councillors that ONS data showed that the number of people infected by the virus had gone from one in 65 to one in 15 in the latest set of figures, with the North East the worst-affected region.
A booster shot of the vaccine is being offered to people aged 50 and over and those with certain underlying health conditions this winter, as well as frontline health workers.
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At last week's meeting of the council's health and wellbeing board, members were warned about the possibility of a twindemic of Covid and flu this winter.
Richard Hay, head of planning and operations at the North East and Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: "There is a threat of a winter twindemic of Covid and flu. It is absolutely really important that people get jabbed.
"It could really overwhelm our healthcare system. Our residents at greatest risk do need extra protection this year.
"The vaccines will be critical to saving lives. They have already saved hundreds of thousands of lives."
Speaking after the meeting, Ms Morgan said: "The Covid vaccine is still the best way of reducing the serious health harms caused by the virus. The NHS is already under great pressure and we’re expecting a tricky winter with flu and Covid so I would urge everyone to do all they can to look after their health and if you are eligible, take up the offer of your Covid booster and/or flu vaccine.
“Respiratory illnesses can affect anyone, but some people with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk, and it’s particularly important they are vaccinated."
The council has also released some general advice to help prevent the spread of winter bugs. The "simple steps" are:
- Get yourself vaccinated. If you’re eligible have your Autumn COVID-19 booster which provides additional protection against multiple variants, and your free flu vaccine.
- Continue to wear a mask on public transport and in crowded spaces.
- ‘Hands, face, space’ still works against COVID, flu and other winter viruses.
- You can help blow viruses away by opening windows and letting in fresh air - keep air flowing.
- If you do start to feel unwell, stay at home if you can and limit your contact with other people.
The Autumn COVID-19 booster programme is being delivered by both GP-led Primary Care Networks and Community Pharmacy sites. There are 21 designated sites in Northumberland which are providing vaccinations and are spread across the whole county.
Anyone wishing to book their vaccination can do so via the national booking service - reached by calling 119 or online - or via their local GP.
Ms Morgan added: "GP practices using local booking will not be visible on the National Booking Service which may give the impression that the only available vaccines are at sites which are a significant distance away. This is not necessarily the case and if travel is inconvenient for you, please wait to be contacted by your GP/PCN to receive your jab more locally.
“They are currently prioritising the vaccination of our most vulnerable residents in Care Homes and those who are housebound, before they move on to their wider patient populations. Please be patient, you will not be missed.”
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