Action for ME (AfME) and the ME Association (MEA) give their immediate reactions. 
 
AfME reaction includes thoughts trom Sonya Chowdhury, AfME Chief Executive -
 
The resignation of Sajid Javid as Secretary of State -
July 06, 2022
Last night news broke that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid had resigned from his role. This has left people with M.E. feeling concerned because Mr Javid had initiated the development of a much-needed delivery plan for M.E.
 
Our Chief Executive Sonya Chowdhury who is working collaboratively with the Government shared her thoughts:  “I'm pleased to continue working with such a dedicated & personally committed team of civil servants across the Department of Health and Social Care and other organisations to drive work forward with the M.E. delivery plan and continue to make a real difference for all our community.”
 
Since the release of the written ministerial statement in May meetings have been held covering patient experience, education, training and research into cause and treatment of M.E./CFS including a roundtable that Sonya attended at the end of June.
We would like to welcome the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Steve Barclay and look forward to continuing this vital work alongside him at the other members of the Department.
 
 
MEA reaction includes thoughts trom Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon. MEA Medical Adviser
Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, resigns and is replaced by Stephen Barclay
July 6, 2022
 
The resignation of Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Security, is clearly bad news given his genuine concern and commitment to improve the care of people with ME/CFS and research into the cause and treatment of ME/CFS
 
Fortunately, the three ministerial groups covering patient experience, education and training, and research into cause and treatment of ME/CFS have all been set up and had their first meetings.  I attended the first meeting of the research group last week.
So I assume that these initiatives will all continue as planned under the new Secretary of State - the Rt Hon Stephen Barclay MP.
Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon. Medical Adviser ME Association
 
 
For further information, see our recent blog - Sajid Javid ‘Rethinking ME’ after young relative’s battles  including -  Rethinking ME – report launch
 
At the end of April our Worcestershire Social Group Blog announced - Decommissioned - ME/CFS Service at Worcestershire Acute Hospital .  If this has affected you, or you have any other concerns, inform your MP of your situation.
 
The Worcestershire M.E. Social Group’s website gives links to Social Media sites which maybe helpful to many people to discuss situations, or just to look and read other people’s postings.
 

•  Action for ME  •  Government U.K.  •  Local News 
•  M.E. Association  •  MP  •  N.H.S.  •  Worcester City Council 
•  Worcestershire  •  Worcestershire M.E. Social Group

The Times:  Sajid Javid ‘Rethinking ME’ after young relative’s battles. 
A report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
Rethinking ME - APPG on ME Report Launch.
The findings of this report highlights that there has been a long-term disconnect between the treatment deserved by people with ME and what they experience in reality.
“We view these recommendations as a starting point on which to build creative strategies across the governments of the UK, service providers and research institutions for the transformation of our society’s approach to ME. Furthermore, we wish to see the UK take a pioneering stance towards ME research and a compassionate attitude towards people with ME at a time when we are seeing an increasing trend in the development of ME-like symptoms as a result of COVID-19.”
The APPG on ME spent over a year taking evidence from patients, healthcare professionals and charities to produce this report. The 20 recommendations in this report should be considered the starting position for Government policy.
 
Rethinking ME – report launch
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on ME met at 3pm on Wednesday 25 May to launch their first report, Rethinking ME. MPs from across the party political divide attended, as well as people with ME, charity representatives and others.
“At this event, we will reflect on the progress being made to improve recognition and understanding of ME amongst the medical profession and other relevant professions. We will hear directly from people with ME on their desire for better care and discuss the steps needed to positively transform the way people with ME are treated in the UK.”  Carol Monaghan MP, Chair of the APPG on ME.
All Westminster MPs (and some members of the House of Lords) were invited by Carol Monaghan MP to come to this meeting, and people with ME were asked to encourage their MP to attend.
 
 
Following the APPG on ME meeting on 25 May -
 
Articles from the ME Association -
 
The Times: Sajid Javid ‘Rethinking ME’ after young relative’s battles
By Sean O'Neill
May 26, 2022
The health secretary has spoken of a young relative’s battle with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) as he promised a new approach to the debilitating illness
Sajid Javid said that the health service had failed in its attitude towards treatment of the illness but pledged to lead a cross-government initiative on ME. This would involve healthcare, education and the benefits system, while placing a new emphasis on research into the poorly understood condition. He will convene a panel next month with researchers from around the world in an effort to encourage new treatments.
For further information, see the MEA article, and the full article in The Times.
 
Rethinking ME: ‘These recommendations are considered the starting position for Government policy’ Carol Monaghan, MP
May 26, 2022
‘Rethinking ME' is an important report from The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on ME and was launched at a reception at the House of Commons yesterday afternoon
In attendance were MPs and Members of the House of Lords, representatives from The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and other Government departments, charity representatives and health journalists. Carol Monaghan spoke about the report and there was a speech from the Sajid Javid – The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. We will have more from the launch event with the full speeches later today.
 
“Some clinicians try their best but I don’t think the system as a whole realises how serious this issue is and how it has been neglected for far too long”.  Sajid Javid, Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care
 
See the MEA full article to find out ‘What does the report contain and recommend’, plus ‘who has received the report’.
 
The BMJ: Health secretary pledges more ME/CFS research as he reveals that relative has condition
May 30, 2022
The BMJ have published an article about the recent All Party Parliamentary Group and the statement made by the Health Secretary Sajid Javid. The article is behind a paywall and some extracts are shown below.
 
Extracts
Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) can expect to see more research and support for the condition, which “has been neglected for far too long,” England’s health and social care secretary has said.
Speaking at the launch of a report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis on 25 May,1 Sajid Javid revealed that one of his own relatives had had her life severely affected by ME, and he pledged to tackle the lack of research on the condition. He will co-chair a round table of international experts next month to help set this research strategy.
Although he told patients attending the launch that he could not “promise miracles” in finding a treatment, he pledged a new cross-government approach to supporting people with ME, which would encompass not only healthcare provision but also education, work and pensions, and local government. 
 
The i: ‘Doctors need to start believing us’: This is what ME patients say Sajid Javid needs to change
May 30, 2022
The i covers the stories of 3 people with severe ME/CFS and the struggles they have faced which has not been helped by poor treatment from the medical profession.  Yet they are hopeful that the recent statement from Sajid Javid, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on ME Report, and the 2021 NICE Guideline will bring much needed improvements for anyone affected by the condition.
 
The MEA Association article gives extracts from the i report, plus also comments from Tony Britton, PR Manager of the MEA, and Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon. Medical Adviser of the MEA.
 
 
At the end of April our Worcestershire Social Group Blog announced - Decommissioned - ME/CFS Service at Worcestershire Acute Hospital .  If this has affected you, or you have any other concerns, inform your MP of your situation.
 
 
The APPG on ME official website.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).  The APPG is a cross-party voice in Westminster building change for people with ME with Carol Monaghan MP serving as Chair. 
Secretariat - The secretariat for the APPG on ME is jointly undertaken by Action for M.E. and The ME Association
 
 
The Worcestershire M.E. Social Group’s website gives links to Social Media sites which maybe helpful to many people to discuss situations, or just to look and read other people’s postings.
 
•  A.P.P.G  •  Government U.K.  •  M.E. Association 
•  MP  •  National Newspapers  •  N.H.S. •  Worcestershire M.E. Social Group 

Remind your MP to attend the launch of "Rethinking ME" with Sajid Javid, MP for Bromsgrove, and Health and Social Care Secretary.
 
Action for ME (AfME) announced -
APPG on M.E. to launch new report, Rethinking M.E.
May 13, 2022
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on M.E. have announced a meeting on Wednesday 25 May to launch their first report, Rethinking M.E.  Carol Monaghan MP, Chair of the APPG, says: 
"At this event, we will reflect on the progress being made to improve recognition and understanding of M.E. amongst the medical profession and other relevant professions. We will also hear directly from people M.E. on their desire for better care and support."
All Westminster MPs (and some members of the House of Lords) have been invited by Carol Monaghan MP to come to this meeting, and people with M.E. are welcome to encourage their MP to attend.
 
 
At the end of April our Worcestershire Social Group Blog announced - Decommissioned - ME/CFS Service at Worcestershire Acute Hospital .  If this has affected you, or you have any other concerns, this is your opportunity to let your MP know?
 
 
Announcements from the MEA (ME Association) -
 
All-Party Parliamentary Group on ME to launch report: 'Rethinking ME'
May 13, 2022
 
ME Awareness Day Early Day Motion from Carol Monaghan, MP
May 13, 2022
 
Remind your MP to attend the launch of "Rethinking ME"
May 17, 2022
The APPG Report “Rethinking ME” will be launched at an auspicious event at the House of Commons on May 25th. It will cover key issues of concern - research, management, NHS services, benefits, children, severe ME/CFS etc. - and will make a number of recommendations concerning action that needs to be taken to improve the lives of people with this condition.
 “At this reception, we will reflect on the progress being made to improve recognition and understanding of ME amongst the medical profession and other relevant professions. We will hear directly from people ME on their desire for better care and support, and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, will deliver keynote remarks.”
Carol Monaghan, MP, Chair of the APPG on ME.
 
Invitations have already been sent to all MPs and members of the House of Lords, but you can also remind your MP about the importance of this event, by sending an email using the template below (which can be suitably amended or added to if you wish to do so).
You may want to add a short note relating to a personal, local, or national issue of concern. This might include a diagnostic delay, a DWP benefits problem, issues faced by children, or by people severely or very severely affected, lack of a local ME/CFS specialist service, or the need for biomedical research - all of which are covered in the APPG Report.
 
 
All-Party Parliamentary Group on ME launch official website
May 18, 2022
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) has today launched its official website.  The APPG is a cross-party voice in Westminster building change for people with ME with Carol Monaghan MP serving as Chair.
Secretariat - The secretariat for the APPG on ME is jointly undertaken by Action for M.E. and The ME Association
 
 
The Worcestershire M.E. Social Group’s website gives links to Social Media sites which maybe helpful to many people to discuss situations, or just to look and read other people’s postings.

•  Action for ME  •  A.P.P.G  •  Government U.K.   •  M.E. Association 
•  MP  •  N.H.S.  •  Parliament U.K.  •  Worcestershire M.E. Social Group

 See ME Awareness Week news items on M.E./Fibromyalgia Charities websites  - see 'M.E. /C.F.S. Organisations', and 'UK Research Organisations' websites links and become involved where you can.
 
International May 12th Awareness Day
This year, 2022, marks the 30th anniversary of International May 12th Awareness Day. The idea originated with Thomas Michael Hennessy, Jr., the founder of Repeal Existing Stereotypes about Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (no longer active). Tom Hennessy was based in the USA but understood that it needed to be an international event; he designated the 12th of May 1992 as the International Awareness Day for the spectrum of illnesses he called Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND).
 
May 12 was chosen as it coincided with the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the celebrated English social reformer and statistician, and the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale became chronically ill in her mid-thirties after returning from the Crimean War; the M.E.-like illness often left her bedridden during the last 50 years of her life. You will find a more detailed account in A Short History of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

The ME Association ask you to -
Make a wish and join in ME Awareness Week 2022
May 8, 2022
ME Awareness Week starts tomorrow, Monday 9th May, and continues through to a fantastic finale on Sunday, 15th May. During the week, we will be asking you to make frequent use of the hashtag #JustOneWish.
It's the thirtieth anniversary of the event and – with Long Covid rampant round the world – the number of people being diagnosed with ME/CFS is growing exponentially day-by-day.
There are said to be 1.7m people in the UK alone who, months after being infected, still have symptoms of Long Covid - which in so many respects looks just like ME/CFS.
Please do something to help the ME Association meet the challenge of supporting these ever-growing numbers now and in the years ahead.
It's not too late to organise your own fundraiser to support us during ME Awareness Week. Download this little leaflet (pdf) which has lots of ideas for easy-to-arrange fundraising events.
 
Use the hashtag #JustOneWish whenever you can during the week.
The wish is what we have all been crying out for over the years - safe and effective treatments that make people with ME/CFS better.
With our links into the research community, the ME Association is well placed to generate funds that leverage new and promising biomedical research.
In the run-up to the week, we shall be highlighting lots of exciting fundraising going on all round the UK and putting up reminders about the big job of raising awareness of ME/CFS that still remains to be done.
This is your week. It's also the best time of the year to show that you are proud of your achievements and tell the world you're not yet prepared to be forgotten. Please make use of it.
Tony Britton, Fundraising and PR Manager
tony.britton@meassociation.org.uk Mob: 07946 760 811

Last week, Action for ME launched their new five-year strategy, Shaping our future together. -
Shaping our future together: our call for a national strategy for M.E.
May 05, 2022
As we approach the World ME Day on 12 May, we launch Action for M.E.’s new five-year strategy, Shaping our future together. We also have a simple-text version.  Developed in partnership with people with M.E. of all ages, carers and professionals, it sets out four ambitious outcomes which we believe will help us end the decades of ignorance, injustice and neglect faced by people with M.E.
 
Sonya Chowdhury, CEO, Action for M.E. says:
We are calling for a national strategy for M.E. led by the UK Government with a clear implementation plan and significant investment.  Action for M.E. alongside many from the M.E. community work hard behind the scenes to advocate for people with M.E. at all levels, and we hope that we will soon see a long overdue commitment to end the ignorance, injustice and neglect experienced by children and adults with M.E.  We will not stop until this happens.

Sunday 15 May
ME Research UK (MERUK) are publicising -
Blue Sunday- The Tea Party for M.E.
22 April 2022
Anna Redshaw’s ‘Blue Sunday’ Tea Party For M.E. in aid of various ME charities (including ME Research UK) will be held on Sunday 15th May 2022.
As Anna explains
On Sunday 15th May, people from all over the world will meet up online to chat and leave comments on each other’s posts. While doing so they’ll be enjoying tea and cake (or whatever their delicate digestive systems can manage) and donating what they can to M.E. charities and causes.
We are so often excluded from events because our symptoms can make it so difficult for us to leave the house, let alone spend an hour or two at an event. That’s why the Tea Party For M.E. has always had an online/virtual element running alongside any in-person tea parties.
 
The premise is simple.

• Wear something blue (pyjamas count!)
• Dig out your best cups and saucers
• Bake or buy your favourite cake
• Post a photo of you little tea party set-up to social media
• Invite your family and friends to enjoy tea and cake with you, in person or via video call
• Donate the price you’d pay in a café
• Connect with others online who are doing the same, by commenting on their photos and posts
• Feel a part of the in-person tea party as Anna uploads photos and videos from the event she host every ‘Blue Sunday’.

You can share your photos in the Blue Sunday 2022 Facebook Event or on Twitter and/or Instagram using the hashtags #TeaPartyForME2022 #BlueSunday2022
You can donate to ME Research UK directly via JustGiving.

Our local ME/CFS Service
Last month, we publicised the ME Association’s (MEA) request for news https://worcsmegroup.weebly.com/blog/me-awareness-week-2022-9-15-may about your local M/CFS Specialist Service and/or Long Covid Clinic.
Since then, we announced that the ME/CFS Service at Worcestershire Acute Hospital had been decommissioned.
 
How has this affected you?  Is there anything you would like to share, either on this website, or with the MEA?  Just get in touch 


•  Action for ME  •  Coronavirus (COVID 19)  •  Fundraising 
•  Local News  •  M.E. Association  •  MERUK 
•  N.H.S.  •  Research  •  Worcestershire 
•  Worcestershire M.E. Social Group

Today (27 April 2022), the Worcestershire ME Social Group received a copy of this notification (pdf).
 
We understand this letter was sent from Dr M Ling Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, to Worcestershire GPs in April 2021.  The letter explained that “the chronic fatigue service run by infectious diseases with consultant input has been decommissioned last year at Worcestershire Acute Hospital, therefore we are unable to take patients for fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.”
 
However, Worcestershire GPs have been informed that
“at the time of writing this there is a therapy team with occupational therapists in Worcestershire, care of Malvern Community Hospital, who can deal with treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and many rheumatology services will have physiotherapists who can deal with fibromyalgia which can be diagnosed normally via the GP using standard criteria which could be discussed with rheumatology if there were any doubt.”
 
The letter also explained
“At the time of writing this there are services at the Barberry in Birmingham, Edgbaston, Bath and Bristol with details on the CFS website which may be able to help where diagnosis and management is needed.”

•  Fibromyalgia  •  Local News  •  N.H.S. 
•  Worcestershire  •  Worcestershire M.E. Social Group

The ME Association (MEA) are asking you to send recent information to be used for ME Awareness Week. 
The MEA announce -
ME Awareness Week 2022: What’s happening with your local ME/CFS Specialist Service and/or Long Covid Clinic?.
April 6, 2022
 
During ME Awareness Week (9th to 15th May), we'll be focusing on NHS secondary care services

• We want to highlight those ME/CFS specialist services that have gone out of their way to introduce new thinking into their everyday practices because of the 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline or who are actively pursuing improvements to existing services.  And, we’d like to encourage anyone working in a specialist service to connect with us, so we can better understand any issues they might be facing in trying to introduce the new recommendations.

• We've seen a tsunami of Long Covid in the past two years, with the numbers of people affected growing every day.  Long Covid Clinics have been set up in some parts of the UK but not in others, and some of these Clinics have merged with ME/CFS specialist services.  There is a very clear overlap between Long Covid and ME/CFS and not just with symptoms but also in the way that the conditions are best managed. We are also hearing that more people with Long Covid are getting a diagnosis of ME/CFS.  So, we'd also like to hear from anyone with Long Covid who has been or is being referred to a Long Covid Clinic.

 
Let us know if your GP has made a referral to secondary care, if secondary care services exist in your area, about the length of time you are having to wait to be seen by specialists, what your experience has been of the service you are using, and if there isn't a specialist service, then how you have managed without one. 
Keep it topical, not historical. We need to know what has happened to you in the last six months. Share your recent experiences of ME/CFS specialist services and Long Covid Clinics. Be as frank as you like and let us know if you need us to protect you by not revealing your identity.

• Have you visited your GP in the last six months to seek a diagnosis and/or referral for help learning to cope and best manage either ME/CFS or Long Covid?
• Have you attended an NHS ME/CFS Specialist Service or Long Covid Clinic?
• Was your GP or ME/CFS Specialist Service aware of the 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline for ME/CFS? Was your GP or Long Covid Clinic aware of the NICE Gudeline for Long Covid? Had they adopted the recommendations?
• Do you think new funding should be made available to better enable existing ME/CFS Specialist Services to adopt the 2021 NICE Guideline recommendations?
  • Should separate funding be allocated to establish new ME/CFS Specialist Services in counties that currently do not have them?
  • Do you want the recommendations from the 2021 NICE Guideline adopted in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and for a network of specialist services to be established?
  • What difference do you think this might make?

Your personal stories, experiences, and insights are invaluable and we greatly appreciate you taking to time to share them with us.
 
Contact:
Please share your stories via email Feedback@meassociation.org.uk with ‘Guideline Campaign‘ in the subject line. Don't forget to give us your full name and phone number. Even where we promise not to use them because you don't want to reveal your identity, we may need to get back to you to check certain points.  Alternatively, share your experiences and insights on social media and we'll collate them for use during ME Awareness Week.
We look forward to hearing from you! 
Tony Britton,  Fundraising and PR Manager
tony.britton@meassociation.org.uk Mob: 07946 760 811
 
Please contact the MEA direct.  Many thanks.

•  Coronavirus (COVID 19)  •  M.E. Association  •  N.H.S.  •  N.I.C.E.

Flu, Pneumonia & Covid-19 Booster - National and Local Vaccination Information.
 
Updated information from the ME Association (MEA).
Free New Winter Vaccines Leaflet: Flu, Pneumonia, and Covid-19 Booster  
October 22, 2021
Dr Shepherd reviews the Winter 2021/22 Flu, Pneumonia, and Covid-19 booster vaccines in detail, and answers questions, such as if the Flu and Covid-19 booster are free for people with ME/CFS and the pros and cons of having them.
 
Winter vaccinations: Flu, Pneumonia, & Covid-19 Booster
Introduction  -  Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon. Medical Adviser, ME Association:
To link in with the launch of the NHS flu vaccination campaign this year I have updated our flu and pneumococcal vaccine leaflet. I have included some information about COVID-19 boosters as well.

• This new free leaflet can be download here or included with any purchases made via the website shop.

The key message from this year’s flu vaccine campaign is that having been isolating ourselves from respiratory infections for almost two years our natural immunity to flu viruses has decreased significantly. So, we are likely to see a large rise in the number of people catching flu this winter.
At the same time, flu viruses and COVID-19 virus are going to be circulating in combination – which makes the chances of serious illness far more likely, especially in the elderly and people with underlying health conditions.
COVID-19 is not going to go away in the foreseeable future and it looks as though high case numbers may well persist into early 2022 before hopefully starting to decline.
 
Questions answered in this leaflet include:

1. Are people with ME/CFS entitled to have a free NHS flu vaccine if they choose to do so?
2. Is it safe to have a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster vaccine together?
3. Will people with ME/CFS be automatically offered a COVID-19 booster jab?
4. Should I have a COVID-19 booster if I had a bad reaction to the first or second dose?
5. Can I get a COVID-19 booster at home if I cannot get to the surgery or vaccination hub?

 
Consequently, some experts are predicting that the number of deaths from flu this winter could even reach 60,000. So, the aim of this year’s campaign is to vaccinate around 40 million people. In addition to all the usual groups, anyone over the age of 50 can now have a free NHS flu jab and children up to the age of 16 will also be offered one.
All the key points relating to the 2021/2022 flu vaccine and eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 boosters are covered in the Questions and Answers section. More detailed information on flu vaccine, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine, can be found in the second part of this information leaflet.
 
Earlier this week, Covid Booster news from the Independent -
Covid-19: Jonathan Van-Tam defends speed of booster rollout but warns of potentially ‘problematic’ Christmas
November 3, 2021 9:43 am(Updated 2:45 pm)
England’s deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, has defended the Government’s Covid booster programme after i analysis found the scheme is running so late it may not be completed until February.
He said the booster scheme is picking up “considerable momentum” and suggested limited NHS capacity is preventing a more rapid roll-out of the third doses.
Professor Van-Tan continued to praise England’s roll-out of the scheme and noted the pace of vaccinations had increased in recent weeks.  “Yes of course everyone wants to go faster but we are picking up really quite considerable momentum and it’s really important when you get your call please come forward and get your booster.”
He said the Government will be making it easier for people to book their booster dose by giving patients a few weeks notice to book their slots, enabling them to get the third jab as soon as possible.
 
Covid Booster announcement from the BBC-
Covid: Booster jabs to open earlier for booking in England
6 November
People living in England will be able to book their coronavirus booster jabs a month in advance under government plans to speed up their rollout.
Currently, people cannot book their top-up vaccines until six months have elapsed since their second dose.  But from Monday, those aged 50 and over, plus those most at risk, will be able to book after five months.
It means they could receive their booster on the day they reach the six-month milestone.
NHS England is introducing the change to accelerate the rate of take-up of booster jabs, to help prolong protection against the virus.
 
Being able to book ahead will save receiving text invitations after the appointment time. 
This text was received during the evening of 20 October, and the appointment was anytime from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm on 20 October !! -

Flu Vaccination Information from Worcestershire County Council.
Where can you get the flu jab in Worcestershire?
Flu vaccination will be provided by your GP via flu clinics held in your practice or your local pharmacy.  Please download the list of pharmacies in Worcestershire who are providing flu vaccinations. 
 
For Worcester City Residents
If you’re eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS, your GP practice will invite you to attend our pop-up vaccination centre at Worcester Racecourse.
Worcester City Primary Care Network (PCN)  -
Tried and tested flu protection from your local GP.  Get your free NHS flu jab at Worcester Racecourse this winter.
Worcester City PCN covers -
• Albany House Surgery; • Haresfield Surgery;  • Barbourne Health Centre; 
• Severn Valley Medical Practice - Henwick Halt Health Centre; 
• Elbury Moor Medical Centre;  • Severn Valley Medical Practice - Lyppard
• Grange Health Centre;  • Farrier House Surgery;  • Spring Gardens Group Practice;  • St Johns House Medical Centre;  • St Martin’s Gate Surgery; 
• Thorneloe Lodge Surgery
 
Current flu jab information from the Worcester City PCN website (6 November)
If you’ve been invited to get your flu jab at our centre, you do not need to book an appointment - simply walk in during our opening times.
Vaccination Centre Opening Hours
Our centre at Worcester Racecourse is currently open
from 9am-5pm (Lunch break from 12pm-12:30pm) Mon-Wed,
12pm-8pm (Lunch break from 4pm-4:30pm) Thurs, and
9am-5pm (Lunch break from 12pm-12:30pm) Friday.
Please check back here before your visit - as any changes to opening hours or planned closures will be posted below.
Scheduled Closures  -  Friday 12th November - Closed all day.

•  B.B.C.  •  Coronavirus (COVID 19)  •  Government U.K.  •  Local News   •  M.E. Association  •  N.H.S.  •  Worcester City Council 
•  Worcestershire  •  Worcestershire County Council

Vaccinations for people with ME/CFS.
Flu & Covid-19 Boosters - National and Local Vaccination Information.

Latest information from the ME Association (MEA).
Update on flu vaccinations and COVID-19 booster vaccinations for people with ME/CFS
September 22, 2021
 
Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon Medical Adviser, MEA, states -
Once the situation on booster vaccines for COVID-19 is absolutely clear I will be updating the current (2020) MEA information leaflet on flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine to also include information on the COVID-19 booster jabs.
In the meantime, almost all of the information in the current MEA leaflet on flu vaccine, which is available as a free download from the MEA website, applies to this year’s flu vaccine.
The only important addition to the eligibility criteria list is that everyone over the age of 50 can now have a free NHS flu vaccination.
The MEA information leaflet contains detailed information on how to weigh up the risks and benefits of having a flu vaccine if you have ME/CFS.
As in previous years, the type of flu vaccine given will largely depend on your age:

• The over 65s will be offered an adjuvated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV)
• Those aged 18 - 64 will be offered QIVc (cell cultured vaccine)
• Children aged 2 - 15 will be offered a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) unless this is contraindicated

The quadrivalent flu vaccines offer a fairly high degre of protection against the 4 strains of flu (two A strains and 2 B strains) that are most likely to be present this coming winter.

• Current (2020/21) MEA information leaflet on flu vaccination and ME/CFS
• Comprehensive information from the US CDC on current flu vaccines

 
The MEA’s article includes Questions and detailed Answers on flu vaccine and COVID-19 boosters:
1. Are people with ME/CFS entitled to have a free NHS flu vaccine if they choose to do so?
2. Is it safe to have a flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccine together?
3. Will people with ME/CFS be automatically offered a COVID-19 booster jab?
4. Should I have a COVID-19 booster if I had a bad reaction to the first or second dose?
5. Can I get a booster jab at home if I cannot get to the surgery or vaccination hub?
 
 
Information from Worcestershire County Council.
Where can you get the flu jab in Worcestershire?
Flu vaccination will be provided by your GP via flu clinics held in your practice or your local pharmacy.  Please download the list of pharmacies in Worcestershire who are providing flu vaccinations. 
 
For Worcester City Residents
If you’re eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS, your GP practice will invite you to attend our pop-up vaccination centre at Worcester Racecourse.
Worcester City Primary Care Network (PCN).  Tried and tested flu protection from your local GP.  Get your free NHS flu jab at Worcester Racecourse this winter.
Worcester City PCN covers - Albany House Surgery,; Haresfield Surgery;  Barbourne Health Centre;  Severn Valley Medical Practice - Henwick Halt Health Centre;  Elbury Moor Medical Centre;  Severn Valley Medical Practice - Lyppard Grange Health Centre;  Farrier House Surgery;  Spring Gardens Group Practice;  St Johns House Medical Centre;  St Martin’s Gate Surgery;  Thorneloe Lodge Surgery
 
Worcester News - Worcester's first mass flu-vaccination site to open at racecourse.

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Grab a Jab Vaccination Clinics during July in Bromsgrove, Malvern and Worcester.
The Worcestershire County Council’s recent Covid-19 announcement .-
Grab a jab clinics now open during July 2021
If you are 18 or over you can grab a Jab at the following sites this July.  No need to book, simply turn up to get your vaccination.
•    Artrix, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN: Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 7.30pm and Sunday 8.00am to 1.30pm. (AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccinations available)
•    Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW: Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm or Saturday 8.00am to 1.30pm (AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccinations available)
•    St Peter’s Baptist Church, Worcester, WR5 3TZ: Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 7.00pm (AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccinations available)

The Bromsgrove Advertiser -
HEALTH Secretary and Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.  In a statement posted on Twitter, Mr Javid said he was awaiting the result of a full PCR test and had only mild symptoms.
“This morning I tested positive for Covid. I’m waiting for my PCR result, but thankfully I have had my jabs and symptoms are mild,” he said.
“Please make sure you come forward for your vaccine if you haven’t already.”
The Health Secretary’s announcement comes as the Government prepares to go ahead with the final lifting of lockdown restrictions in England on Monday, despite the misgivings of some scientists.

Number of Worcestershire Covid Cases currently rising rapidly.
The Worcestershire County Council’s Worcestershire COVID-19 situation dashboard gives the 7 day rate per 100,000.  Information below shows changes during the last fortnight.

7 day rate per 100,000 given on the morning of 4 July
(see our previous blog)   
Bromsgrove 143
Malvern Hills 119
Redditch 79
Worcester 133
Wychavon 85
Wyre Forest 81

7 day rate per 100,000 given this morning 18 July
Bromsgrove 447
Malvern Hills 276
Redditch 300
Worcester 590
Wychavon 283
Wyre Forest 321

The Worcestershire County Council also announces -
National restrictions update - 12 July 2021
The Prime Minister has confirmed we will be moving to Step 4 of the roadmap to end COVID-19 restrictions in England.
The decision to open up has been made in a balanced and careful way, with the Prime Minister being clear that we will need to follow the new guidance to help keep ourselves and each other safe while we learn to live with the virus.
Legal restrictions will end on Monday 19 July 2021
More information on the announcement can be found on the Government website (opens in a new window).  As Step 3 restrictions will remain in place until 19 July, you should continue to follow the guidance on what you can and cannot do from GOV.UK (opens in a new window).

Please see the blog post of 4 July for more Covid-19 Guidance from Worcestershire County Council and ME Association.

The Worcestershire County Council’s recent Covid-19 announcement -
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Update situation from the Worcestershire County Council -
Update - 30 June 2021 
Latest figures show Bromsgrove once again has the highest COVID-19 figures in the county.  Public Health in Worcestershire has been monitoring the situation. They have found cases are spreading in residents who are under 30.
Public Health advise everyone to keep following the rules, continue taking a regular rapid flow test and for anyone 18 and over, to get vaccinated.
Councillor Karen May, Leader of Bromsgrove District Council and cabinet member with responsibility for Health and Wellbeing said:
“We have come such a long way over the last year. Bromsgrove has worked hard to reduce the spread off the virus and keep everyone safe. We mustn’t let our hard work go to waste.  The numbers are rising in people who have not been vaccinated. Please don’t put off booking yours.  It's the best way to keep your family and friends safe.  I know, together we can do this, and get the numbers down."
The Worcestershire County Council also gives National Restrictions Update information following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 14 June.
 
The Worcestershire County Council’s Worcestershire COVID-19 situation dashboard -
The 7 day rate per 100,000 - given on the morning of 4 July:
Bromsgrove - 143
Worcester - 133
Malvern Hills - 119
Wychavon - 85
Wyre Forest - 81
Redditch - 79
 
The Worcestershire County Council Covid-19 website also gives Advice and Guidance on -
Get a test;  Self-isolation;  Vaccinations;  Traveling abroad;  Report cases;  NHS Test and Trace and using the App;  Test and trace support payment;  What is a contact?;  Face coverings;  Social distancing;  Advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable;  Need support?;  Help for businesses;  Easy read;  Information in other languages .
 
Plus our county’s two dashboards -  Worcestershire COVID-19 vaccinations dashboard , and Worcestershire COVID-19 situation dashboard
 
The ME Association’s (MEA) Covid-19 Free Resources.
MEA ME/CFS & COVID-19 Free Resources
During the unprecedented Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic, we have ensured that people with ME/CFS - and those who continue to experience symptoms following infection - are kept informed of the latest guidance and related information.
All the leaflets and template letters relating to the Covid vaccination are free to download.  We periodically review and update them when new information emerges or the situation regarding the national restrictions are changed.  Please note these leaflets are downloads. You can read them on-screen and save to your computer, phone or other device and can attach them to any email you might need to send. But you will need access to a printer if you wish them printed.
 
See the MEA website for downloadable guidance leaflets and letter templates -
 
Covid-19 & ME/CFS Guidance:
Long Covid & ME/CFS: Information & Management May 2021
Covid-19 & ME/CFS Vaccine Update May 2021
Covid-19 & ME/CFS Reducing the Risk of Infection - November 2020
 
Letter Templates: Covid-19 & ME/CFS
Covid-19 & ME/CFS Clinical Vulnerability Adults
Covid-19 & ME/CFS Clinical Vulnerability Students
ME Association Covid Vaccine Eligibility Template Letter (V5) (19 March 2021)
MEA Letter to CCGs (England) & Health Boards (Wales) - 19 March 2021
 
Take care, and stay safe everyone.


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