UKHSA Urges those Celebrating Diwali to get vaccinated against flu and COVID19

THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on those celebrating Diwali to come forward for their flu and COVID19 vaccinations if they are eligible so they can get 'winter strong' and have a safe and healthy celebration. As the vaccines take up to 2 weeks to provide maximum protection, getting vaccinated soon will help reduce the risk of severe disease in time for Diwali.

Flu and COVID19 spread more when we spend more time indoors. If you are in 1 of the groups who is eligible for vaccination against flu and COVID19, ensure you get your vaccines. This will help your Diwali celebrations stay on plan, whether that's sharing delicious meals, lighting lamps or exchanging gifts with friends and family. Taking up the vaccines means you have taken steps to minimise the chances of spreading these infections or even experiencing serious complications from them.

Everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and individuals with certain long term health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, are eligible for free flu and COVID19 vaccines. These vaccines offer the best defence against becoming severely unwell, Hospitalisation and death from:- COVID19 and flu.

Children are also eligible for a free flu vaccine and are advised to take up the vaccine ahead of the festivities if receiving the vaccine from their GP. Each winter, thousands of children need to go to Hospital for treatment (10,000 children were Hospitalised with flu last season), including:- intensive care, with children under the age of 5 years having 1 of the highest rates of Hospital admissions due to flu compared to other age groups. By getting vaccinated, your child not only protects themselves, but also those around them, including:- babies, grandparents, and people with weak immune systems.

Parents are urged to ensure their children's School vaccination consent forms are completed, and that eligible pre-Schoolers are booked for appointments at the GP practice to help reduce the spread of flu this autumn and winter. Children in Reception to Year 11 will be offered the free nasal spray flu vaccine, delivered in Schools by immunisation teams up and down the country. Children aged:- 2 and 3 (on or before 31 August) are eligible for the free nasal spray via their GP practice. Any child aged 6 months or over who has a health condition that puts them at increased risk from flu should have a vaccine every year. Children who can't have the nasal spray for medical or faith reasons should request an injected flu vaccine instead.

To book Covid and flu vaccines, you can either download the NHS App, visit:- NHS.UK or call:- 119 for free if you can't get online.

Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director of UKHSA North West, said:- "The Diwali season is a cherished time when families and friends come together to celebrate and exchange greetings. However, it also coincides with when flu and COVID19 cases typically rise. We strongly encourage members of the Hindu, Jains and Sikh communities to prioritise their health by getting vaccinated, helping them to stay winter-strong. Aside from protecting yourself, ensure your children are vaccinated too against flu. Each winter thousands of children require treatment in Hospital for flu or its complications. Many of these episodes can be prevented by a simple vaccine. On top of helping to keep your child healthy, the flu vaccine also helps stop the spread of flu in the family and wider community; helping to protect those who are more vulnerable and the elderly such as grandparents."

Edge Hill University scoops Best Moving In Experience award

EDGE Hill University has won Best Moving In Experience in the Global Student Living Awards, recognising its efforts to make moving in easy, fun and welcoming.

The Global Student Living Awards for the UK and Ireland, and Europe are based exclusively on direct feedback from tens of thousands of students about their student accommodation experience.

This year Global Student Living received over 30,000 responses across the UK and Ireland, and the results identified Edge Hill the best moving in experience in the country thanks to its welcoming and well organised staff and student helpers. 

Director of Facilities Management Adrian McGillion said:- "It's a huge achievement and honour to win an award that's voted for by students, and a clear sign that we are getting our moving in experience right. The entire Facilities Management team, student services and staff from across the University work really hard all summer, right up to when our students move in, to make the move into halls as seamless and easy as possible. With many students moving away for the 1st time, we make every effort to reassure them and their loved ones that we will look after them during their time at University, creating a home from home. This award shows how successful the efforts of our team have been." 

The award follows on from Edge Hill's largest ever investment in accommodation, worth:- £23.6m, will see 232 ensuite rooms built on the former Back Halls site, supporting the increasing demand for campus based living.

Edge Hill offers a range of different halls to suit the needs of students and all 1st year students are guaranteed a place in halls so they can have the very best experience. The University's guide to living on campus can be found on its website. 

To find out more or to book a tour of Edge Hill's award winning accommodation and campus, just visit the Edge Hill website's Tour Booking Page for more information.