People aged 50 to 64 in England will be offered a free flu jab from the start of next month in an attempt to fight the “twin threats” of flu and COVID-19.
The group has been added to a list of people who are already eligible for a flu vaccine in England, and means that around 30 million people are now being offered the vaccine in what is expected to be the country’s largest flu-immunisation programme to date.
The UK government confirms has been secured amid high global demand for more flu vaccine, and now means vaccines can be provided to this group over December and into the New Year.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was a winter “like no other”.
Announcing the vaccine plan, Mr Hancock continued: “We have to worry about the twin threats of flu and COVID-19. COVID means getting a flu jab is more important than ever this year,
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“So we are delivering the largest ever flu vaccination programme.”
Adults over the age of 50 will be able to get their free flu jab from 1 December from their GP or pharmacy.
This winter anyone aged 50-64 will be able to get vaccinated as part of the most comprehensive flu vaccination programme in the UK’s history.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) November 20, 2020
Jo Churchill – Minister at Public Health England – added: “To prepare for this challenging winter, we committed to protect as many people as possible from the flu, to keep those at risk safe and reduce the strain on our NHS [so] I am pleased we are now able to deliver on that commitment with those aged 50 to 64 invited to get their free flu vaccine from the start of December.
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“These vaccinations are already being given to our existing priority groups and that vital work will continue.
“More vaccine is flowing into GPs and pharmacies throughout the next few months, and I would urge anyone eligible for their flu vaccine to get one including all health and social care workers.”
Who is now eligible for a free flu vaccine?
• Adults aged 65 or over
• Pregnant women
• Those with certain pre-existing conditions
• NHS and social care workers
• All children up to year 7
• Household contacts of those who are clinically extremely vulnerable
It must be noted that the roll-out of the flu vaccine to over 50s is separate to any future COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, and members of the public will be able to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in parallel as the NHS is well-equipped to administer both.
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Further details on the COVID-19 vaccination deployment plan is expected to follow.
You can find more information about the free flu vaccine roll-out to people aged 50-64 in England from 1st December 2020 via the gov.uk website here.
More information regarding the flu vaccine can be found via the NHS website.
News
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
The Manc -
20th November 2020 
