Serious shortages of some prescription medicines in SWF and nationally continue and worsen. Please don’t blame pharmacy or GP staff; it isn’t their fault.
National flu, COVID-19 & RSV in week to 25 October:
- Flu activity remained stable and is circulating at low levels. Flu trends have been rising since August; we may see an early flu season.
- COVID-19 activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at low levels; Covid-19-like symptoms have risen since August.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity increased and is circulating at baseline levels. Hospitalisations increased last week.
2026 COVID-19 vaccinations are being 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. Those eligible can book online or using the NHS App. Vaccinations are also available at walk-in sites, community pharmacies and in care homes. Please get vaccinated!
2026 Flu vaccinations are freely available to pregnant women, children aged 2yrs+, people aged 65+, immunocompromised people and their close contacts, adults with certain long-term conditions, care home residents and carers; you’ll get a GP invitation. You can book online, using the NHS App or ringing 119. Please get vaccinated!
The Measles outbreak continues but is slowing. Parents should get children vaccinated and check children’s vaccination status. In 2026 to 12 October 1030 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.
There’s a national outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning. In the last year two people have died and there’ve been 586 confirmed cases, associated with eating imported eggs at various food outlets, including small cafes, restaurants and takeaway businesses, not eggs cooked at home. About a third needed hospital care. Don’t eat undercooked food. The Food Standards Agency has found a new variant in Ukrainian-supplied eggs contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, which may be available for retail sale in small shops. Shell eggs originating from Yasensvit Ltd, Ukraine, stamped with the code 3UA1012066 should not be consumed and shouldn’t be on sale. Major supermarket eggs are produced in the UK and aren’t affected. Thoroughly cook all food.
Cold weather is coming. It’s as dangerous as heatwaves. Take simple steps to protect yourself and others, including: keeping parts of our homes warm, checking in on friends, family and vulnerable neighbours; follow weather forecasts and public health advice during cold weather.
A new neighbourhood health centre in Maldon has received government support, an important step towards improving local healthcare facilities. This may indicate the plans for St Peter’s Hospital’s future, and bring more healthcare services closer to people’s homes, while protecting existing services.
The Orsett Minor Injuries Unit has moved to Thurrock Community Hospital, Long Lane, Grays, RM16 2PX, providing the same services in better facilities by the same staff. Patients can walk-in from 1000 to 1930, for minor injuries such as wounds, bumps, sprains, suspected broken bones, minor eye injuries and minor burns. Our weekly newsletter includes everything we’ve published on our website in the previous 7-days. Libraries provide online services and help with internet access. For welfare information and subscription to our newsletter, email swfhealthsocial@outlook.com or leave a voicemail on 01245 322079. https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/
