It has been announced today that everyone over the age of 50 in England can now book a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination.
This invitation to book a slot – via the NHS website or 119 – comes after the government revealed last month that all over-50s should be offered a vaccine by May.
The government is now aiming to offer a vaccine to all those in the first nine JCVI priority groups by that date, and this includes older care home residents and staff, everyone over 70, all front line NHS and care staff, those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, the over-65s, all those over 16 with underlying health conditions, the over-60s, over-55s and now the over-50s.
Those aged 40-49 will be the next in line to get a vaccine after all vulnerable groups and the over-50s are covered.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set the target of vaccinating all UK adults by the end of July.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has already recommended that the next phase of vaccinations should continue to prioritise people by age and not their occupation to avoid slowing down the rollout.
The committee said this would provide “the greatest benefit in the shortest time”.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can book your appointment online. If you, or someone you know, is unable to use the online service, you can also call 119. 💻📱 https://t.co/1e3nCAUFcB
It added that prioritising occupational groups – such as teachers and police – could make the rollout more complex and could potentially slow the programme overall, leaving some vulnerable people at higher risk for longer.
The priority order of vaccinations for phase two will therefore be:
• Everyone aged between 40 and 49 • Everyone aged between 30 and 39 • Everyone aged between 18 and 29
ADVERTISEMENT
At the time of writing, nearly 25 million people across the UK have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
A total of 1,663,646 people and counting have now had a full course.
As it stands here in Greater Manchester, officials believe that over one million people have now received their first dose, with a significant number across of people across the region having already scheduled an appointment or are set to in the coming weeks.
___
For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
#StayHome
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
17th March 2021 
