Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “This time of year can be challenging for some, especially older residents or those with health conditions. With the cold weather and holiday closures, accessing the services you need can be tricky. Therefore, I would encourage residents to follow Public Health advice and plan ahead to minimise any holiday disruptions and make sure that you and your loved ones stay safe and well this Christmas and New Year.”
Public Health advice for a healthy Christmas and New Year:
- For medical advice or assistance that is not an emergency, contact NHS 111 or a local pharmacy. These services can advise on many minor winter illnesses that you can manage at home.
- Keep warm. A cold home can increase the risk of health issues, particularly for more vulnerable people. Aim to heat rooms where you spend most time to at least 18°C (65°F). For help heating homes visit the Hitting the Cold Spots website. All 40 Hampshire libraries are recognised as warm and welcome spaces and many are listed on the Warm Welcome Spaces website.
- Get vaccinated for free, if you or your children are eligible. COVID-19 and flu are serious illnesses that can make some people very unwell. If you or your loved ones are eligible for free vaccinations, make sure these are up to date to help protect against the spread of these viruses. This year, the NHS has also launched the new RSV vaccination programme for older adults and pregnant women which can help give additional protection against the RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) that typically circulates in winter months.
- Stock up on medicines. Check your prescriptions and ensure you have an adequate supply to last through the holidays when services are reduced or closed.
- Coughs, colds and seasonal illnesses among children are to be expected at this time of year. Parents and guardians can use the Healthier Together website and app - which has been developed by local clinicians - for advice on all the most common childhood illnesses.
- This time of year can have an impact on how people feel emotionally and mentally. Understanding and applying the Five Ways to Wellbeing - such as connecting with others and learning new skills - is proven to help boost positive mental health. For additional support and guidance, visit Mental Wellbeing Hampshire.
National Booking System closing
The National Booking System (NBS) will close for flu and COVID-19 vaccination bookings on 20 December. After this date, those who are eligible to have the vaccines for free can contact their GP practice or community pharmacy for help with booking an appointment or they can use the online walk-in finder for COVID vaccinations and the pharmacy finder for flu vaccines. 119 telephone services will continue for queries and signposting to 31 January 2025. People can book the COVID-19 vaccine until 31 January 2025, and flu jabs will continue to be given until the end of March 2025.
Residents can also use the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID vaccination helpline on 0300 561 0018 for support and advice on COVID-19 vaccinations. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm.
For more information about keeping warm and well over winter visit the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS website.