Half term advice and | News and events

Half term health advice and vaccination walk-ins

Health leaders are offering important advice on how to keep the whole family well during half-term (16-22 February), as well as urging local people to take up the offer of walk-in vaccination clinics.

The February half-term week can be a particularly busy time for NHS services, with common winter bugs including norovirus (vomiting and diarrhoea), colds and flu still in circulation. For many people, these will be mild and can be easily treated at home with rest and over the counter medication (such as paracetamol and ibuprofen) or advice from a pharmacist. NHS 111 is also there for anyone who feels unwell during the half-term week. It offers advice quickly and easily via 111.nhs.uk online, or through 111 over the phone. It’s also always a good idea to pack a first aid kit if you are going away or out for the day to help with minor injuries and ailments such as small cuts and grazes, upset stomachs or headaches.

There is also a range of walk-in vaccination clinics for childhood vaccinations taking place across the county for children who are missing a vaccination. All childhood vaccinations are available including MMR, all booster vaccinations, meningitis ACWY, HPV, flu and more.

• Saturday 14 February - 9am to 3pm. Unit 1 Ramsay Court, Hinchingbrooke Business Park, Huntingdon, PE29 6FY
•  Monday 16 February 9:30am to 3pm. Ross Street Community Centre, Cambridge, CB1 3UZ
• Tuesday 17 February 9am to 3:30pm. Bretton Baptist Church, Copeland, Peterborough, PE3 6YJ
•  Wednesday 18 February 9am to 12:30pm. Wisbech Tesco, PE13 0RG
• Thursday 19 February 9am to 3:30pm. Bretton Baptist Church, Copeland, Peterborough, PE3 6YJ

Rowan Procter, Director of Nursing at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB, offers her expert advice:

“Whilst half-term is a chance for your children to take a well-deserved break from school, it’s also a good time to check they’ve had all their vaccinations. We understand that life can get in the way and vaccinations might have been missed or consent forms at school might have been forgotten, which is why our walk-in vaccination clinics are an easy and convenient way to get missed vaccinations sorted.

“We can all help the NHS run smoothly by using the right service for illnesses and injuries. Our minor injury units and urgent treatment centres provide xrays as well help with a wide variety of problems from minor burns to infections like earaches and sore throats. If you are ever not sure which NHS service can help you, then use 111 first. They can link you to the right service for your issue, and will get you to speak to a doctor or nurse if necessary.”

For more information on childhood vaccinations visit www.cpics.org.uk/the-vaccinators for more information