It's not too late to protect yourself from flu say health experts

UKHSA North West is urging those most at risk of flu to get their free vaccination after data shows the majority of those with a long term condition have still not taken up the offer of the free vaccine.

The latest flu vaccine uptake data shows that 69% of people aged:- 65 and over have been vaccinated and 22% of pregnant women have been vaccinated. Rates are comparable to those in previous years for this point in the season.

However, health professionals are particularly concerned about low uptake in people with long term health conditions at 31.6%, who are more vulnerable to serious illness from flu.

Heading into winter, the flu vaccine continues to offer the best protection against what can be a very severe illness for the more vulnerable, including pregnant women and those aged:- 2 and 3 years who are all eligible for a free NHS vaccine. You can book your flu and Covid19 vaccinations and check your eligibility online.

Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director, UKHSA North West, said:- "Flu can be serious and even deadly for older adults, very young children, and people with underlying health conditions. The vaccine is the best defence we have against what can be a serious illness. If you're in an eligible group; make sure you get vaccinated. It's essential you protect yourself by booking your jab. If you are eligible, please come forward as soon as possible to take up the offer and make sure you have the best protection and:- 'get winter strong.' We also remind people that if you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, you should avoid mixing with others where possible to stop the spread of viruses like flu."

Tricia Spedding, Deputy Head of Public Health, NHS England; North West, said:- "We're really pleased to see more pregnant women and people aged:- 65+ coming forward during what has been the fastest NHS flu vaccine rollout on record. However, this data also shows that some of our most vulnerable people; those with long term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart failure, as well as people with a learning disability; are yet to have their vaccine this year, which is extremely worrying as these groups are more likely than others to develop more severe illness and to be hospitalised if they catch flu. People may not be aware they are eligible or may think they don't need the flu vaccine because they had it last year, but immunity fades over time and the flu virus changes each year, so it's vital that people top up their protection. If people are unsure if they're eligible, they can speak to a pharmacist, GP or their specialist for advice."

The flu vaccination is the best form of protection we have. If they haven't already had the flu nasal spray, it is important that children who are in the clinical risk groups of flu visit:- their GP as soon as possible to be vaccinated. Primary School children should take up the opportunity to be vaccinated via the School vaccination programme, and toddlers aged:- 2 and 3 should visit:- their GP surgery as normal to receive this.

For most children, the flu vaccine is not an injection, just a quick nasal spray. Flu can be horrible for little children so it is important to protect them from becoming unwell. Children are also:- 'super spreaders' of flu and vaccinating them can protect more vulnerable members of the community.

Dr Kliner continues:- "If you think you have flu, stay home and rest until you feel better. Call NHS 111 if you have an underlying health condition or feel really unwell. Aside from having your flu vaccine, the best way to prevent the spread of flu is to practice good hand hygiene. Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throw the tissue away and wash your hands."

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram lead delegation to forge closer ties with German City state of Hamburg

MAYOR Steve Rotheram has lead a high level delegation backed by the British Embassy and the UK's Department for Business and Trade to forge closer political, trade and cultural links between the Liverpool City Region (LCR) and the Hamburg City State, over 20 November to 23 November 2023.

Over 2 days of tours, presentations and talks, senior officials, politicians and policy experts built up a relationships and share experiences around a raft of strategic priorities including:- transPort, skills, culture, regeneration and net zero.

The 4 day Mayoral Mission will focused on the economic issues affecting both Regions and strengthen connections between 2 great Port Cities dating back many years.

The visit built on existing ties between the City Region and the City of Hamburg, a municipality and City State within the Federal Republic of Germany, with an urban population of around 2.5million people.

Before the visit Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, told us that:- "Being proud Port Cities, both of our areas have served as gateways to the world, which helped to turn us into the vibrant, diverse communities we are today. With so much history between us, and so many shared strengths, it's only right that we want to forge even stronger ties with our friends in Germany. Together, we want to shape more prosperous, outward looking futures for our 2 areas and to fulfil their vast potential in advanced computing, life sciences, sustainable development and digitalisation. I can't wait to see what kind of opPortunities this partnership will unlock for us both in the years to come. As 2 areas that were instrumental in shaping the formative years of those 4 lads from Liverpool who shook the world, it's incredibly fitting that we're visiting Hamburg when the Beatles are back at the top of the charts again."

The high level visit lead to the 1st face to face meeting between:- Mayor Rotheram and 1st Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher, head of the current Government of the City State.

A networking reception organized by the British Embassy focused on the promotion of closer trade and investment ties, including:- clean tech, digital/gaming, life and health sciences; linking German businesses and trade associations with the Liverpool City Region.

A discussion around employment and skills highlighted the German system of dual vocational training (TVET), a blend of classroom learning and on the job training credited with producing a highly skilled and flexible workforce.

Cultural leaders also worked on a potential collaboration to promote the history of the Beatles in Liverpool and Hamburg, where the band famously cut their teeth as teenagers.

Senior Policy Officers also discussed public transPort and urban mobility including going on a tour of innovative projects, with a visit to the Port of Hamburg, the 3rd largest Port in Europe, that was followed by talks around decarbonisation, green hydrogen and the refuelling of buses and lorries.

Following this, a guided walk through the biggest regeneration project in the EU, the Hafencity District, focused on Hamburg's approach to urban development, climate change, biodiversity and Net Zero.

Mayor Rotheram will was accompanied on the trip by:- LCR Chief Executive Katherine Fairclough, Deputy Mayor Seve Gomez-Aspron and Stephen Young, Chief Executive at Halton Borough Council. They will be joined by Claire McColgan, Director of Culture Liverpool City Council and LCR Executive Director Kirsty McLean.

Dr. Peter Tschentscher, 1st Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, said:- "It was a privilege to welcome Liverpool City Region Mayor, Rotheram and his delegation to Hamburg. As traditional Port Cities and progressive metropolitan areas, both Hamburg and Liverpool have been able to exchange best practices and cooperate in future fields, such as:- urban mobility and the hydrogen economy."