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.
“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.”
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.”
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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Bob Vylan dropped from Manchester music festival following Glastonbury controversy
Danny Jones
English punk rap duo Bob Vylan have been dropped from an upcoming music festival in Manchester following the recent controversy surrounding their set at Glastonbury 2025.
The media storm surrounding their much-talked-about and heavily televised Glasto appearance has seen them reportedly dropped by their agency and their US Visas cancelled, along with multiple concerts – one of those being right here in Greater Manchester.
Bob Vylan were scheduled to play RADAR Fest at Victoria Warehouse in Stretford this weekend, but now the organisers have informed gig-goers that the artists will not be performing in their planned slot on Saturday.
The alternative music event did provide any additional details, posting nothing but this image:
For anyone unaware, Vylan were heavily criticised for the pro-Palestine chants, which Glastonbury itself has deemed as having “crossed a line”, labelling the chants against the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) as antisemitic.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also commented on the situation.
In addition to RADAR, Vylan were also due to appear at Kave Fest in France the following Sunday, 6 July, but the music event has also decided not to host them.
The BBC also opted not to broadcast Northern Irish band Kneecap as part of their coverage this year, as the Belfast rap trio have also been outspoken on the issue, among many other musicians of late.
Responding to the decision on social media not long after the news broke, the act simply shared the post on their Instagram story along with the caption: “Silence is not an option. We will be fine, the people of Palestine are hurting. Manchester, we will be back.”
Trafford Centre launches school uniform drive to help disadvantaged Manchester families
Emily Sergeant
A school uniform drive has been launched at the Trafford Centre to support local families ahead of the new school year.
With schools across Greater Manchester soon set to be out for the summer holidays, many parents, guardians, and carers in the region may be looking ahead to the new school year in September, concerned about how they may be able to provide their children with the necessary uniform items needed.
According to a 2020 survey by The Children’s Society, 23% of parents reported that the cost of school uniforms led to their children wearing ‘ill-fitting, unclean, or incorrect’ items.
It’s these statistic that highlight the ongoing pressure faced by families.
This is why the Trafford Centre has partnered with both Manchester South Central Foodbank and local charity, Bridging the Gap, to launch a school uniform donation drive aimed at supporting more than 700 children across Manchester this summer.
The Trafford Centre launches a school uniform drive to help disadvantaged Manchester families / Credit: Trafford Centre
From now up until the 15 August, anyone heading to the region’s largest shopping centre is encouraged to donate new or pre-loved school uniforms.
“The cost of living crisis has deeply impacted our community, with more and more families unable to afford the essentials,” commented Emily Jeremy, who is the Assistant Project Manager at Manchester South Central Foodbank.
“As an anti-poverty charity, we recognised the need for school uniform support years ago. Though costs vary between schools, a full set of branded secondary school uniform can total around £150, which is a significant burden for many households.”
All items can be donated at the shopping centre’s Guest Services point / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography | Trafford Centre (Supplied)
Simon Layton, Centre Director at the Trafford Centre, added: “We’re proud to be working alongside Bridging the Gap and Manchester South Central Foodbank to support local families during these challenging times.
“School uniforms shouldn’t be a barrier to education, and we hope this initiative will ease some of the pressure many parents face as the new school year approaches.”
The school uniform donation drive is running up until 15 August.
All items can be taken to the Trafford Centre’s Guest Services Lounge, which is located on Lower Regent Crescent next to M&S, and they must be clean and free from stains or damage.
Emily Sergeant -
5th October 2022 
