What's happening?

In the UK over the last seven days, covid infection rates have increased by 18% according to government data published yesterday.

ONS data is showing that this is being driven by high infection rates in younger age groups, with smaller rises in other age groups.

What's happening in West Lancs?

In West Lancs however, over the last 7 days:

• The number of covid infections has fallen by 4%
• The number of deaths from covid has fallen by 50%
• The number of patients admitted to Southport and Ormskirk hospital increased by 60%

Have a look at the West Lancs data here

See the situation in your postcode here

New local vaccination hub

A new health and wellbeing hub has opened this week in the Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale which will offer a range of health services for Skelmersdale residents.  Initial activity is focusing on covid vaccinations in this new, accessible location - with GP practices in Skelmersdale working alongside Aspire Pharmacy to deliver jabs.

The new site is in addition to the existing Walk-in Centre and is open seven days a week between 9am-5pm on Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

The hub will also offer some walk-in vaccinations (subject to availability).

• Residents can now book their first, second or booster jabs for the site via the National Booking System here.
  
• Alternatively, you can call 01695 736196 to get booked in

Covid boosters

The good news this week is that those eligible for their booster jab can now book direct if they haven’t yet been invited by the NHS.

Those eligible need to be at least six months on from their second dose and in one of the following categories:

• those living in residential care homes for older adults

• all adults aged 50 years or over

• frontline health and social care workers

• all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the green book), and adult carers

• adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.

Demand for the covid booster has been high, and more than 150,000 people across Lancashire and South Cumbria have now received theirs.

The majority of those eligible are likely to be offered their booster by the end of December.

You can book your appointment:

• online at www.nhs.uk/book-covid-booster.
• or by phoning 119

Find out more information here

Vaccinations for 12-15 year olds

From today, vaccinations for the 12-15 year old age group can be booked direct online or by phone.

The roll out to this age group has mainly been through schools so far, but this week the government has announced parents can now also book direct.  The programme in schools will continue to run as well once they resume after half term.

Parents will be able to book covid vaccinations online for their 12-15 year old children from the end of today (Friday 22nd October) with appointments available as soon as tomorrow, the NHS has announced.  

You can book your appointment here or phone 119.

Get the facts about the vaccine for 12 to 15 year olds

The NHS in the North West has launched a new campaign to help parents and young people get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine for 12 to 15 year olds.

#RealVaxxFacts provides information about the vaccine, side effects and benefits, to help children and parents/carers discuss it and make an informed decision.

 Find out more here.

• Find out how to get your vaccination here
  
• Find out how to get tested here

It’s Get Online Week!

The last 18 months have shown the importance of being confident in our digital skills. If you or someone you know would like to learn new skills or feels they would benefit from a refresher, then why not sign up to the Borough Council's remote IT training and support?

Help is available through the scheme to learn some of the followin: 

• How to video call friends and family
• Using social media such as Facebook (inc. internet safety)
• Arranging GP appointments by video
• Shopping online
• Online banking (safer than telephone banking)
• Creating a CV and applying for jobs
• Government forms online and on the phone (benefits such as Universal Credit)
• Help with energy companies or switching bills

To find out more:

• Text WEST LANCS and your name to 07825 844 417 
• Call direct on 01695 585216 
• Find out more information here 

Can you help us get the word out?

We are working with West Lancashire Borough Council to get accurate information into the heart of communities and would be grateful if you could pass this on to your networks.

Please join in these efforts by cascading these messages on to your work colleagues, friends and families using the share buttons below: