News
NHS scraps free flu vaccines for millions of over-50s and teenagers next winter
Flu vaccination has been recommended vulnerable groups in the UK since the late 1960s.
The NHS’s rollout of free flu vaccinations to over-50s and secondary school-aged children is soon to come to an end.
Millions more flu jabs were rolled out to anybody over the age of 50 and children in school years seven to 11 as part of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis amid fears of an outbreak back in November 2020, but it’s now been revealed that this eligibility will be cut next winter as the NHS attempts to return to pre-pandemic rules.
In guidance issued this week on the NHS England website, officials say eligibility for the flu vaccine will be narrowed in 2022/23.
The letter told NHS workers and pharmacies: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to all those involved for your hard work during very challenging times which led to some of the best flu vaccine uptake rates ever achieved.”
Read more: Free flu vaccines to be offered to all over 50s in preparation for winter
But despite this change in eligibility apparently having been communicated to medical staff, Dr Leyla Hannbeck, the chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, told The Telegraph: “No one has communicated to the public that the offer of flu jabs this year is going to be any different to last year.
“Last year over-50s were being told they should get their jab, now the advice has changed, but no one is explaining why.
“It’s going to cause so much confusion.”
The decision appears to go against the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), according to minutes from December seen by the Telegraph.
According to the newspaper, the minutes said the JCVI “remained supportive of fully extending the childhood programme on a routine basis which is highly cost effective”, and added that it would be “acceptable to vaccinate 50-64 year olds for the 2022/23 season if funding available.”
Read more: GPs will soon have to open on Saturdays and weekday evenings
Flu vaccination has been recommended vulnerable groups in the UK since the late 1960s.
Between 2015 to 2020, more than 11,000 people died per year with flu on average, and in 2019/20, 86% of flu deaths were of people over the age of 65.
Those said to be eligible for flu vaccinations in 2022/23 will be:
- Those aged 65 and over
- Children (over six months) and adults (under 65) in clinical risk groups
- All children aged two to 10 on 31 August 2022
- Pregnant women
- Care home residents
- Carers
- Close contacts of immunocompromised people
- Frontline health and social care workers (through employers).
Featured Image – Flickr
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Rest in peace.
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Featured Image — Wikimedia Commons
News
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
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