Latest news with #NHSCovid
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Thousands of Covid jabs available for vulnerable
Thousands of appointments for Covid-19 vaccinations are still available at pharmacies, GP practices and pop up clinics across the South East. Over half a million people in the region have received their jab as part of the NHS spring vaccination campaign. NHS Sussex said the vaccination provided vital protection against different strains of the Covid-19 virus and helped to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation. Caroline Reid, senior responsible officer for the Covid-19 vaccination program in the South East, is encouraging "all eligible individuals to book their vaccination to ensure they are protected". According to the latest data, 526,432 people in the South East have been vaccinated against Covid since the beginning of April. The vaccination is available to adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Thousands of daily appointments remain available at pharmacies and GP practices, with walk-in appointments also offered at various locations. To help people access the vaccine more easily, NHS Sussex is setting up clinics in community centres, sports halls, and other local venues. Dr Samia Kidwai said that Covid was still in the community. "It's really important we protect our health and the vaccine is one way to do that, particularly for vulnerable groups and those that are at a higher risk of becoming seriously unwell as a result of Covid 19," she said. For more information or to schedule a vaccination, visit the NHS website, use the NHS app, or call 119. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Who can get an NHS Covid booster this spring? Sussex Health & Care NHS - Covid-19 vaccine
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Covid lockdown was very lonely in my care home'
If you visit Pembroke House in Kent, you'll see a lively care home with residents playing games, drinking coffee and chatting. But Sheila Hayward - the only remaining resident to have lived through the Covid-19 pandemic at the care home - said she will never take this for granted. Five years on, Ms Hayward remembers how residents in the Gillingham care home were kept isolated from others and even served meals in their room. She said: "We were not allowed to go out at all - it was very lonely." Ms Hayward had already been living at the care home for 18 months when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK in March 2020. The strict measures succeeded in keeping Covid infections at bay for several months. But Ms Hayward said it took a toll on her mental wellbeing. "I missed my hobbies," she said. "I was very active at that time and I loved walking in the garden." After several months, she was allowed to spend time outside, supervised from a distance by carers. Ms Hayward said she and other residents used to stand at the doorway of their rooms, shouting to each other down the corridors. "It was very difficult," she said. Kelly Kirtley, Pembroke House residents, events and hospitality officer, said the care home suffered a Covid outbreak in December 2020, with 33 residents and most staff members ill. She said most residents were terrified when they learned they had the virus. "You couldn't comfort them, or give them a hug and tell them everything would be okay," Ms Kirtley said. "There are no visitors so you become the residents' family." Four residents at the Medway care home lost their lives to COVID. They are remembered by a memorial statue in the gardens of Pembroke House. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. What did the government do about Covid and care homes? Covid: Care home families take government to court Covid inquiry turns to PPE deals and the 'VIP lane' Who can get an NHS Covid jab? Pembroke House
