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News - 10 February 2023
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NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved for you and your loved ones, both in the area you live in and across the country.
Eligible people in the Black Country are being reminded to come forward for the
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.
RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs which spreads all year round. It often causes symptoms like a cold, such as a runny nose, cough and fever, and usually gets better by itself. However, for infants and older adults the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation.
Since last September, people aged 75 to 79 have been eligible to come forward for a free vaccine to protect them from RSV. Pregnant women are also offered the vaccine from 28 weeks into their pregnancy to help protect their babies from RSV for the first few months after they’re born.
In the Black Country, almost 19,000 eligible 75–79-year-olds and roughly 4,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated against RSV to date.
The NHS is sending invites to make an appointment from this week to people not yet vaccinated who are aged 75 to 79 or turned 80 after 1 September 2024. Pregnant women over 28 weeks will be offered the vaccine by the maternity service they are receiving antenatal care from.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “In most people, RSV causes a mild illness with cold-like symptoms that usually gets better by itself. However, it is particularly dangerous for the elderly and infants and can cause severe implications in the first few months of a child's life.
“Cases of RSV peak each winter, but it’s important to remember that this is not just a winter illness, and it can occur all year round. Having the vaccine is safe and effective and reduces the risk of severe symptoms.
“Only one dose is needed for long-term protection which is why we’re urging anyone eligible to
come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
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To mark World Cancer Day (Tuesday 4 February), a series of pop-up cancer conversation shops are taking place across the Black Country next week to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and screening programmes.
Organised by the local NHS in partnership with the four local authorities in the Black Country, the pop-up shops are an opportunity for local people to meet and talk with a range of clinicians about how to check for symptoms of cancer, screening programmes the support services available and what to do if they’re concerned.
Attendees will be given information on the breast, bowel, cervical and lung NHS cancer screening programmes including when people will be invited and what's involved in the screening. Local support also will be offered for people living with and beyond cancer.
People will also be offered a health check on the day, including blood pressure checks and
blood sugar tests.
Dates and times for the pop-up shops are:
• Friday 7 February, Shop next to costa Coffee, Upper Floor, Park Mall, Sadler’s Centre, Walsall, 10am to 3pm.
• Tuesday 4 February, Urban Rooms, 19 Queen’s Square, Wolverhampton (opposite NatWest bank), 10am-3pm.
• Saturday 8 February, Brierley Hill Market, at the back by the café, High Street, Brierley Hill, 10am to 3pm.
Early detection is the most effective defence against cancer, and people must understand the signs and symptoms to watch for, as well as the screening programmes available.
Dr Mona Sidhu, Medical Director of Primary Care for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "This is why initiatives like the cancer pop-up conversation shops are so important. They provide an invaluable opportunity to engage with individuals one-on-one about cancer - especially those who may not realise they are at risk, may not recognise potential symptoms, or feel hesitant or fearful about taking action.
"Remember, if you notice something unusual for you or something that isn't going away, it’s important to consult your GP. While it’s likely not cancer, identifying it early can make a significant difference if it is."
