On the first anniversary last week of the Vaccination Programme, Healthier Futures celebrated all staff and volunteers in Hertfordshire and West Essex who have helped save lives through the vaccine rollout. It has been a year like no other, in which the NHS has delivered more than 2.5 million vaccinations in Hertfordshire and west Essex alone. Click Here to watch the Video

‘Play Your Part’

The main message is one of doing all we can to help slow the spread of the new Omicron variant which is now considered to have a higher rate of transmission.

What are the new rules?

• From 10th December, face coverings must be worn in most indoor settings, at large venues and events, and on public transport.

• From 13th December people who can work from home should do so.

• From 15th December, nightclubs, some venues and large events will be required to check that visitors are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption

To help share the message of celebrating the festive season safely Click Here for campaign resources and Click Here for a Video

The latest Government guidance is available Click Here

Boosters

Over the next few weeks, the vaccine programme will be accelerated so that:

• Booster vaccinations will gradually become available to people aged 18 and over
• The gap between second doses and boosters will reduce to three months instead of six
• A booster jab will be available to those who are severely immunocompromised, three months after their third primary dose
• Second doses will be offered to children aged 12-15, 12 weeks after their first dose

None of the changes have yet been enacted. While changes are being made to the national booking system, and new protocols are put in place to increase capacity, Vaccinations will continue to be available to those who are already eligible.

The latest information on local vaccine availability can be found on: COVID-19 vaccination information | A Healthier Future

The national booking service can be found at: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Vaccination centre volunteers needed!

Volunteers are urgently needed especially over the next two-three months, including during the Christmas period. These will be non-clinical roles and there are indoor and outdoor positions available.

To get involved Click Here

Illegal money lenders –

Christmas can be an ideal opportunity to take advantage of people when cash is tight. A campaign has been launched to highlight the dangers of loan sharks and signpost people to appropriate support Click Here   Are you of Black, Asian or Arab Origin? Healthwatch Hertfordshire want to hear from people of Black, Asian and Arab origin to understand your experiences and views of healthcare in Hertfordshire – whether you use the NHS or not. As different communities face different barriers and challenges within healthcare, Healthwatch has created specific surveys for each ethnic group. Please encourage those in your networks to participate. The surveys are anonymous and will take about 5-10 minutes to complete. More information and access to the surveys including translated versions can be found Click Here

Changes to test requirements for travel to England Click Here to Check what you need to do to travel to England from another country. Click Here for Travel test providers

NHS Omicron scam email Click Here to read about it and please spread the word.

Stop Covid Hanging Around Campaign videos

Visiting family and friends

Going to an event

Visiting your workplace

Winter Health Guide – Click Here

Warm Home Discount Scheme up to £140 one-off discount on an energy bill Click Here

A new Vaccine facts website for younger people – Get More From Your Jabs – is available Click Here

If you have symptoms, please stay at home and book a PCR test online Click Here

For Rapid Testing Click Here

The Herts County Council Roving Rapid Testing service was stood down at the end of September, as demand for supervised testing decreased.

To collect or book Home testing kits Click Here

For Walk In Vaccination Clinic times and locations Click Here

Details of Hertfordshire infection rates can be seen on the HCC website Click Here

For Hertfordshire NHS COVID vaccination webpage Click Here

For the Play Your Part Campaign resources for Social Media Click Here

For all your Covid Information Resources at CDA Herts please Click Here including:

False information and Needle Phobia; Information about the vaccination programme in different languages and formats; CIC created videos in different languages about vaccinations and pregnancy; Walk-In Vaccination Clinic dates and locations and the Cabinet Office Stakeholder resources updated weekly.

HertsHelp: www.hertshelp.net email or call 0300 123 4044;