Covid infection rates in West Lancs have risen slightly over the last week. 

Highest rates of infection are in Burscough, Upholland and parts of Skelmersdale. 

Find out the situation in your postcode with this interactive map: https://coronavirus.data.gov.u...

West Lancs vaccination rates

The local vaccination programme has done a fantastic job of offering easy access to covid vaccines and this has resulted in high take up in older age groups:

Vaccination rates vary across the Borough. 

To find out take-up of first and second doses in your postcode area, have a look at this interactive map. https://coronavirus.data.gov.u...

Six good reasons to get vaccinated:

1.  You will no longer need to self isolate:  From August 16th, those who are double jabbed (and anyone under 18) no longer has to self-isolate if they come into contact with a positive Covid case.

Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/.../self-is......

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2.  You are less likely to get infected:  Did you know that having the vaccine dramatically reduces the likelihood that you’ll catch the virus, even mildly?  The latest REACT-1 study is showing COVID-19 infection rates to be three times lower for double vaccinated people.

By having the vaccine we're not just protecting ourselves, but our family, friends and those around us too.

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3.  You get access to large scale events:  From end of September, if you want to go to a nightclub or other large scale events, you need to have had two doses of the vaccine.

4.  You get lasting protection:  

Recent media has focused on waning antibodies following vaccination, but the good news is recent studies show protection from covid remains good even months after vaccination.

Even when antibody levels fall (which is normal), other parts of the immune system kick in to give even better protection. 

This informative article explains it well.

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5. You get two doses:

 Two doses give better and longer protection - one dose is only half a job....  

Where to get your vaccination in West Lancs

It’s not too late to get your vaccine.  You can either:

1.  Book an appointment at a regular clinic by:

• Booking online through the National Booking Service system
• Booking an appointment by phoning free on 119

2.  Walk-in to one of the pop-up clinics:  see below and    https://www.westlancashireccg.... for latest details

COVID-19 testing in West Lancs

Testing still vitally important to stop the spread.  We are all being asked to get tested twice-weekly to keep infections down. 

If you have symptoms

• you will need to self-isolate and get a test here.

• If you have a positive test, you should immediately self-isolate and if eligible, can apply for financial support here.

If you don't have symptoms

You can either:

• Take the test at a symptom free testing site
• Collect tests from a symptom free testing site to use at home later
• Order home testing kits online if you cannot attend a testing site

For information on all testing sites across West Lancs or how to order a test online, go to: westlancs.gov.uk/symptom-freetesting

If you would like a stock of home testing kits to share with the community at community centres, group meetings, church halls, voluntary groups etc, please contact CustomerEngagement@westlancs.gov.uk

Macmillan cancer support

Macmillan West Lancs is hosting a month-long health and wellbeing event throughout September

Sessions will help prepare people for all stages of their cancer journey, as well as providing support and information for their carers, family and friends.

See the full timetable of sessions here.

See the CCG website for details and how to get involved here. 

Support for veterans

Op COURAGE is the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service and provides specialist care and support for service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.

Find out the range of support and treatment at Op COURAGE here.  

Mental health support

Mind offer a wide range of mental health support services and suggest it's a good idea to make a plan for support BEFORE reaching a crisis point.  

There's lots of information, advice and suggestions about how to make a plan on the Mind website. 

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: