The serious shortage of some prescription medicines in SWF and elsewhere continues and worsens. Common medications like ramipril, co-codamol, and dispersible aspirin are affected. Link to current information is at Current Drug Shortages List – Drugs.com . Please don’t blame pharmacy or GP staff; it isn’t their fault.
UKHSA has declared a national outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning. As of 15 September two people have died and there have been 586 confirmed cases, mostly in the last year, up 37 in last week. Cases are associated with eating eggs at various food outlets, including small cafes, restaurants and takeaway businesses, not eggs cooked at home. It’s believed the outbreak is linked to imported eggs. About a third needed hospital care. Don’t eat undercooked food.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports have restarted. In week 38 to 20 September:
- Flu activity increased and is circulating at baseline levels; A&E attendances above seasonal norm;
- COVID-19 activity increased and is circulating at low levels; hospital admissions up to 1.20 per100,000 from 0.81 in week
- respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remained low and is circulating at baseline levels.
The Measles outbreak continues but is slowing. Parents should get children vaccinated and check children’s vaccination status. In 2026 to 14 September 1003 English measles cases have been confirmed, exceeding the 2025 total of 959. Two children and one adult have died of measles in 2026. Essex remains in danger.
NHS Blood and Transplant promotes awareness about the importance of organ donation. More donors are needed to help those waiting for a transplant and increase the number of people on the NHS Organ Donor Register. The waiting list has never been higher; 8500+ people need a transplant to save or improve their lives.
Register or update your decision – NHS Organ Donation . Blood donors are always needed: https://my.blood.co.uk/sign-up .
Pharmacy First expands so Pharmacists can offer prescription medicine for:
- impetigo (aged 1yr+)
- infected insect bites (aged 1yr+)
- earache (aged 1-17 years)
- sore throat (aged 5yrs+)
- sinusitis (aged 12yrs+)
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16-64 )
- shingles (aged 18yrs+)
Pharmacists can recommend treatments and give guidance for everyday health issues, including:
- Coughs, colds, and flu
- Mild skin rashes, eczema, acne, and athlete’s foot
- Earwax and conjunctivitis
- Hay fever, allergies, headaches, and minor sprains or strains
- Tummy troubles like diarrhoea and constipation.
2026 Flu vaccinations started in September for pregnant women and children aged 2yrs+. From 1 October eligible others being: people aged 65+, immunocompromised people and their close contacts, adults with certain long-term conditions, care home residents and carers, can book. You’ll get a GP invitation.
2026 COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered to those:
- aged 75+ (including those 75 by 31 January 2027);
- aged 6 months to 74 years with weakened immune systems;
- living in a care home for older adults.
You’ll get a GP invitation. Appointments will be from 1 October. Those eligible can book online or using the NHS App. Vaccinations will also be available at walk-in sites, community pharmacies and in care homes.
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