Other

New and updated items first The serious shortage of some prescription medicines in SWF and elsewhere continues and worsens (19 September 2026). Common medications like ramipril, co-codamol, and dispersible aspirin are affected. This is an updated link to current information Current Drug Shortages List - Drugs.com .Please also see the attached generic NHS leaflet. Please do not … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

ED funding boostBraintree CDCMidwife success Maternity award nominationPolly's PadToy story Read the update now

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period, typically November to February. Most cases are mild, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. Read the new post: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/11/what-is-rsv-and-who-is-eligible-for-the-vaccine/

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to complete our digital health and care survey. We have already received hundreds of responses from people across Essex, providing valuable insight into how residents use digital health and care services, what works well, and where improvements could be made. The feedback will help inform the … Continue reading Help shape digital healthcare in Essex 📱 🖥️

When autumn comes, protection from any earlier COVID-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, the NHS offers a free vaccine in the autumn, previously known as the ‘Autumn Booster’. Read the new post: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/09/whos-eligible-for-the-2026-covid-19-vaccine-or-autumn-booster/

As children head back to school and we move closer to winter, now is a good time to familiarise ourselves with some of the common illnesses that can cause disruption to children’s time in school during the colder months. Read the new post: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/28/a-guide-to-keeping-kids-healthy-this-school-year-for-parents-and-carers/

New and updated items first; a quiet week after bank holiday The worst of the heatwaves are over? No days are forecast for over 25* for the next fortnight. We hope there’ll be no more tragedies in the seas, rivers and other water. We also hope there’ll be no more derailments. May and June saw … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

Flu season is approaching, and some people can already book their free NHS flu vaccine. Here’s everything you need to know about who can get vaccinated this year and what’s changed since last autumn.  Read the new post: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/27/your-guide-to-whos-eligible-for-the-autumn-2026-flu-vaccine/