Manchester’s public health chief is urging people to get their COVID boosters and flu jabs this autumn so they can avoid the potential ‘twindemic’ of catching both at the same time.
Over the past two years, the UK has seen some of the lowest flu case figures on record, which medical professionals say is probably due to the self-isolating and social distancing measures that were introduced amid the COVID-19 pandemic – but now, there’s evidence cases are returning and numbers are creeping up.
This is why, alongside the predicted rise in COVID numbers, Manchester City Council is inviting eligible residents to come forward and get their jabs as we approach winter.
The Council is wants those eligible to get vaccinated so that they not only avoid getting ill themselves as the temperatures start to plummet, but also so that they don’t pass either of the viruses on to anyone else, or find themselves in need of hospital treatment.
“As the weather turns colder, respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu start circulating more,” the Council explains on its website.
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“Many people who are more susceptible to flu are also at greater risk of COVID, and vice versa. And you’re much more likely to get severely ill or die if you catch them at the same time. Even if you experience relatively mild symptoms, flu or COVID can still make you feel really poorly, and will most likely mean you’ll miss education or work.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to get peace of mind, stop the spread, and keep yourself and those around you healthy this winter.”
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Manchester’s Director of Public Health David Regan has also said “high levels of COVID” are expected across the city-region yet again this winter.
“We all have to do everything possible to stop people becoming seriously ill and it’s even more important that we protect those most at risk,” Mr Regan said in his call to get residents to take up vaccination offers.
“Many people will think they don’t need another vaccine because they have already had COVID or the vaccine didn’t stop them from getting the virus, but immunity wears off, and even if the vaccine doesn’t stop you from getting the virus, it should stop you from getting it as badly and reduce the risk of Long COVID.”
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He also added that if new variants arrive in time to cause widespread infection, then boosters for older adults and those with health conditions will also be critical in reducing pressure on hospital services throughout Greater Manchester too.
A full list of who is eligible for the Autumn COVID booster and free flu jabs can be found on the Manchester City Council website here.
Featured Image – Flickr
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
Emily Sergeant -
5th October 2022 
