Last chance for COVID-19 vaccine

Dementia UK is excited to host its free annual Summer School, with the aim of improving practice in and knowledge of dementia care. We invite all health and social care practitioners, including students, volunteer sector workers, and allied professionals who have an interest in improving care and support for families living with dementia.

The NHS in the Black Country has issued important guidance as temperatures climb this week.

The Met Office, in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a yellow heat alert as temperatures are set to rise this week, with people advised to take extra care in the heatwave conditions.

Over the next few days temperatures across the Black Country are predicted to reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, with the yellow alert in place from Wednesday 18 June until Sunday 22 June.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “While many of us enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather, high temperatures can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, young children, and people with existing health conditions. These groups are less able to regulate body temperature and are more vulnerable to overheating, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke.
“Many of these heat-related illnesses are preventable with a few simple precautions. Try to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of cool fluids, avoid sunburn by applying sunscreen regularly, and seek shade whenever possible. If you need to go out, take water with you and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. At home, keep indoor spaces cool by closing blinds or curtains in sun-facing rooms.

“It’s also important we look out for one another. Check in on elderly neighbours, friends, or family members who may need extra support during periods of prolonged heat. A small act of kindness can go a long way.

“By taking these simple steps, we can help ensure that everyone stays safe, comfortable, and well during the warmer months.”

If you, or others, start to feel unwell, move out of the heat immediately and drink some water to rehydrate. If you feel dizzy, weak, or have a headache and intense thirst, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for more advice.

Nurse leaders in Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country are urging parents to make sure children are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, amidst increasing cases in the area.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious complications, such as severe lung infections and inflammation of the brain. It also damages and suppresses the immune system, leaving children more vulnerable to catching other illnesses.

Cases have risen in recent weeks in Birmingham, prompting calls for parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated and encouraging anyone who wasn’t vaccinated as a child to speak to their GP about a catch-up immunisation if needed.The virus can spread quickly in communities, particularly in settings such as schools and nurseries, if children have not received both doses of the MMR vaccine.

Symptoms of measles include:
• high temperature
• runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• cough
• red, sore, watery eyes
• rash, which usually appears a few days after cold-like symptoms (sometimes it starts around the ears before spreading to the rest of the body).

All children are invited for their first MMR vaccine on the NHS when they turn one. The second dose is given when they reach three years and four months of age. Having two doses of the vaccine provides the best protection against MMR.

Adults and older children can also be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before and are being encouraged to come forward if they haven’t had two doses.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine, which protects against three serious illnesses - measles, mumps, and rubella.

“Measles is a highly infectious virus which spreads very easily, especially in schools. While most people recover completely within a couple of weeks, measles can cause very serious illness for those in certain at-risk groups including babies and small children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

“There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get vaccinated as it’s the best protection against becoming seriously unwell. If your child has not yet had the MMR vaccine or hasn’t had both doses, you should call your GP practice and book an appointment as soon as possible.

“Anyone with symptoms is advised to phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting their GP surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.”

Helen Kelly, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board said: “We have seen a small rise in measles cases in Birmingham, but it’s important to remember that even a few cases can lead to rapid spread within our communities. There are lots of myths and misconceptions about the MMR
vaccination, but we know it is safe, effective and remains our best protection against a virus which can be life-threatening in the most serious cases.

“The MMR vaccination is safe for all faiths and cultures, and a pork-free version is available for those who avoid pork products.

“If you’re unsure, I strongly encourage parents to speak to their GP, health visitor or nurse to get accurate information and avoid the risks of misinformation which spreads easily online.”

Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), check the NHS app, or contact their GP practice.