Latest News

COVID Autumn Booster Walk-In Clinics

The Stifford Clays Covid Vaccination Hub (Stifford Clays Health Centre, Crammavill Street, RM16 2AP) will be open from 19 September 2023 and holding walk-in clinics for eligible people to get their COVID Autumn Booster.

You will normally be contacted by The NHS and/or your GP surgery if you are eligible. Eligible patients include the following -

• Over 65 years – Autumn Booster
• Aged 18 to 64 years in a clinical risk group including those with Immunosuppression
• Carers aged 18 to 64 years
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Aged 18 to 64 years who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

The Walk-In clinics (No Appointment Needed) will be held weekly on the following days -

If you are unable to attend a walk-in clinic you can also book online at -

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

For more information on the COVID Vaccination programme please click on the link below -

A guide to the COVID-19 autumn programme

Child Flu – Protect Your Child With A Free Flu Vaccination

With the flu season for 2023 - 2024 about to begin, the NHS are encouraging all parents to get their children vaccinated.

• Children aged 2 or 3 years can get a free flu vaccine at your GP practice. We will update parents when we have set up our clinics.
• Children aged 4 – 12 should receive a flu vaccine at school and will not normally attend the surgery.

Please click the picture below for more information on why you should get your child a flu vaccination this year -

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR MUMS TO BE – PREGNANT?

For our Mums to Be – Pregnant women are eligible for a free flu vaccine and recommended to do so. The flu jab will help protect mum and baby. Flu vaccine is safe to have at any stage of pregnancy – from the first few weeks right up to your expected delivery date.

Pregnant women can get a free flu jab at ante-natal clinic, pharmacy or GP. Taking the flu vaccine while pregnant also protects your baby for the first few months of their lives.

Please click the link below for more information on why you should get the flu jab during your pregnancy –

The Flu Jab In Pregnancy

World Sepsis Day - 13 September 2023

As World Sepsis Day approaches (on 13 September), we have set up this post to raise awareness by giving people a basic understanding of Sepsis and knowledge of signs and symptoms.

"Sepsis is a rare but serious overreaction of the body’s immune system to an infection, which can cause damage to the body’s cells and organs. The speed at which it can progress is rapid. If not recognised and treated quickly, sepsis can result in septic shock and death. Sepsis can affect anyone at any time, although certain people are deemed more at risk than others.

Having an understanding of what sepsis may look like can improve your ability to spot it and get help to treat it quickly and improve the outcomes for patients / people in your care. I would encourage everyone to watch the videos to gain an understanding of what sepsis is, what it may look like and what you can do about it. This can help you both in your workplace and personal life. Remember ‘Think Sepsis’ and Just ask ‘Could it be Sepsis?’”

Tracy Kilbourn, Sepsis Nurse, Southend Hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. It primarily affects very young children and older adults and is notably more common in people with underlying health conditions, but can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy.

Sepsis always starts with an infection and can be triggered by any infection including chest infections and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). The earlier that it can be diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of survival and of fewer complications.

People with learning disabilities are more at risk from sepsis than other people and are at higher risk of infection - getting sicker, faster. So earlier this year we ran training sessions for carers of people with learning disabilities to help them to spot the signs of sepsis and other related conditions including UTIs, Long Covid and pneumonia.

The picture below has information on the signs of Sepsis –

For further information on Sepsis please click on the links below -

www.sepsistrust.org

www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis

NHS Launches New Programme To Help Residents To Lose Weight And Stay Healthy

Local residents are set to benefit from the launch of a new 12-week self-referral programme that is free and easy to access and is designed to help them manage their weight and improve their health.

The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (MSE ICB) has prioritised tackling obesity as a key factor in looking to improve the long-term health conditions of local people.

65% of adults in mid and south Essex have obesity or excess weight, which is higher than that of both East of England and England.   The 12 week programme is launching initially in Thurrock where rates of adult obesity are the highest in mid and south Essex at 69.4%.

Dr Peter Scolding, Assistant Medical Director at Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System explains, “We know that some groups and communities are more likely to be facing higher risks of ill health due to obesity, particularly younger adults in our black, Asian and ethnic communities.”

“This new programme will offer a range of benefits, such as dietary advice, physical activity guidance and support to help them achieve a healthier lifestyle.”

“As part of this work we hope to better understand the barriers to accessing existing support so that we can tailor future care and support.”

To access the programme, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Age 18 or over.
• A BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 30. The BMI threshold will be lowered to 27.5 for people from black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds, who are at an increased risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI.

It is easy for residents who meet the criteria to sign up, via a link that will be sent to eligible patients.  

MMR and Measles

Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968 it is estimated that 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK.

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain which require hospitalisation and on rare occasions can lead to long term disability or death.

Spending 15 minutes or more in direct contact with someone infected with measles is enough to catch the infection. People whose immunity is compromised, pregnant women and unvaccinated children are at increased risk of severe disease.

Anyone with symptoms that could be measles is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E. This is because measles spreads very quickly and easily and so it is important to try and prevent the illness spreading further.

People who have symptoms should also especially try to stay away from areas where you could come into contact with vulnerable people such as schools, nurseries or care homes.

The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.

Find out more about measles

Find out more about the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine

How to stay safe during a measles outbreak

Diabetes Week: 12-18 June 2023

Diabetes Week is taking place from Monday 12th June to Sunday 18th June this year. Diabetes UK joins NHS England as proud campaign partners for this annual awareness week.

It is important that all Diabetic patients ensure they have their annual reviews. Annual reviews include –

• Foot examination
• Diabetic review
• Blood pressure review to ensure target blood pressure
• HBA1c blood test

All reviews can be carried out at the surgery by one of our nursing team.

Referrals are also available to Structured Education Programmes where necessary.

For more information on Diabetes Week please click on the picture below to visit the Diabetes UK page -

PATIENT NOTICE - BEAT THE HEAT

In the current hot weather we recommend that you Beat The Heat by drinking plenty of water, dressing appropriately and avoid going out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day).

For more info go to www.nhs.uk/heatwave and/or click the picture below –

Learning Disabilities Health Event (14 June 2023)

There will be a free Learning Disabilities Health event on 14th June 2023 for people with learning disabilities, their carers and related professionals to attend.

The event will be held at the Civic Hall on Blackshots Lane from 10:00 to 15:00 and will include health related activities like Health Checks, Exercise Classes and a Smoothie Bike.

Refreshments will be provided.

Please click on the picture below for further information -

Electronic Repeat Dispensing

What is Electronic Repeat Dispensing?

It is a new way of getting your medicines and appliances without having to ask the doctor for a prescription each time.

How does Electronic Repeat Dispensing work?

The prescriber will authorise and issue a batch of repeat prescriptions until the patient needs to be reviewed. The prescriptions are then available for dispensing at the specified interval by the patient’s nominated dispenser. When a prescriber issues an electronic prescription for repeat dispensing using their EPS Release 2 prescribing system, in addition to the information found on a standard EPS Release 2 prescription, this electronic repeatable prescription contains:

• the intended interval between each issue of the repeatable prescription
• how many times the repeatable prescription can be issued

Once the prescriber has issued an electronic repeat dispensing prescription it will be sent electronically to the NHS Spine where it will be available to be download by the patient’s nominated dispenser. This can only be used by patients with a nominated dispenser.

Who is eligible for Electronic Repeat Dispensing?

Any patient suitable for a repeat prescription could be suitable for electronic repeat dispensing. This includes but is not limited to:

• Patients on stable therapy
• Patients with long term conditions
• Patients on multiple therapy e.g. hypertension, diabetes, asthma etc.
• Patients that can appropriately self-manage seasonal conditions

Mainly based on clinical assessment / review.

Do I need to be reviewed by a Clinician before I get a new batch?

Yes, your clinician will make sure it is safe for you to get your medicines in this new way and to continue safely.

Do I need to consent to this before commencing?

Yes, you will have to sign a consent form, to allow your pharmacist and doctor to exchange information about your treatment. All information will be handled in confidence.

Is Electronic Repeat Dispensing suitable for everyone?

No, it is only suitable for patients whose medical condition is described as “stable” by their doctor.

Who manages the prescription forms?

The pharmacist will be looking after your batch prescription forms for you, and he/she will get you to sign a batch prescription each time you go to pick up your medicines.

How often do I need to go to the pharmacy?

Your doctor and pharmacist will tell you, for example it may be monthly or “as and when you need it” depending on the type of medicine.

Do I have to use the same pharmacy?

Yes, as the pharmacist keeps all your prescriptions and is responsible for checking each time that you still need all your medicines and are not having any problems with them. If you move or change address or cannot use the pharmacy you choose, you will have to go back to your doctor for a new repeatable prescription.

Do I need to tell the pharmacist anything?

Yes, for example if there has been a change in your condition or if you are taking other medicines (to check it is safe to take these). The pharmacist will ask you some questions about this each time you pick up your medicines.

Does the pharmacist have to give me everything on my batch prescription form?

No, not if you have plenty of one or more of your medicines left at home, but your pharmacist will ask you, or whoever is collecting your prescription, some questions to check what is still needed.

What should I do when my first set of medicines are about to finish?

You should contact your pharmacist, and he/she will give you your next batch of medicines.

Who do I talk to if I think I am having side effects from my medicines?

If you have problems speak to your pharmacist. He/she may ask you whether your medicine is helping you and may contact your doctor if this is not the case. Please do not worry about this, your doctor or pharmacist will not make any changes without talking to you.

What happens if I pay for my prescriptions?

You must pay a prescription charge for each item every time you get a prescription dispensed. You may find that a prescription pre-payment certificate could save you money. Ask your pharmacist for details.

What happens if I forget to collect my medication and the pharmacy is closed for the weekend or a bank holiday?

If you find you are short of medicine, you can get an “emergency supply” of most medicines from any pharmacy. The pharmacist will need details of your doctor and what medicines you are taking. They will be able to give you a few days’ supply of your medicines but there will be a charge for these “emergency” medicines, and you must let your usual pharmacist know about this. Alternatively, you could call 111.

What should I do if I am going on holiday?

Speak to your pharmacist well in advance of your travel date. Depending on how your prescription is written it may be possible for you to collect your medication in advance. Alternatively, the pharmacist may speak to your doctor to help arrange a supply of medicines for you.

What do I do when my final batch prescriptions have been dispensed?

You will need to visit your doctor before your final supply of medicine runs out and have your medicines reviewed. If your doctor is happy that your condition is still stable and your medicines do not need changed, you will be given another repeatable prescription.

Strep A and Scarlet Fever

Please find below information from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health regarding Strep A and Scarlet Fever:

There are currently high rates of Group A strep and scarlet fever in the UK. Scarlet fever, which is caused by the bacteria Group A streptococcus, is usually a mild illness but it is highly infectious. It much more common in children than in adults; it is important that children with scarlet fever are seen by their GP so that they can be started on antibiotics. This is not only to reduce the chance of their infection becoming more severe but also to stop them spreading the infection to others, especially people at higher risk of severe infections such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

The rash of scarlet fever often begins with small spots on the body that then spread to the neck, arms and legs over the next 1-2 days. It is often 'sand-paper' like to touch but is not itchy.

Your child may also have a:

• Sore throat/tonsillitis
• Fever (temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above)
• Painful, swollen glands in the neck
• A red tongue (strawberry tongue)

If your child also has a runny nose with their tonsillitis, it makes a diagnosis of scarlet fever / Group A strep less likely.

Occasionally, Group A streptococcus can spread to other areas of the body, causing infections in the neck (tonsillar abscesses or lymph nod abscesses), chest infections (pneumonia), bone and joint infections (spetic arthritis) or sepsis.

In addition, a small number of children experience complications in the week or two after recovering from scarlet fever. This can affect their kidneys (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis) or their joints (post-streptococcal arthritis).

For the full article from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health please click the link below -

Strep A and Scarlet Fever

For further information on Scarlet Fever and Invasive Group A Strep please click the links below -

UKHSA Update on Scarlet Fever and Invasive Group A Strep

Factsheet (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Out-Of-Hours GP Services Are Changing

We want to provide the right services at a time which is convenient for you. We’ve listened to feedback from people in our local area, and we are making changes to our out-of-hours appointments to deliver better services for you.

The new way of delivering out-of-hours appointments will give you:

• Access to more healthcare professionals. This new service will be delivered by professionals including GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Practice Nurses and Healthcare Assistants.
• More choice about the type of appointment you want. These include a mixture of in-person face-to-face appointments, and remote appointments like telephone, video, or online appointments.
• Make it more convenient for you to travel to out-of-hours appointments. These appointments are being planned and delivered locally, so it is likely they will available closer to your home.

From Saturday 1 October 2022, out-of-hours appointments will be available from 6.30pm to 8pm on weekdays, and from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. In Thurrock, appointments will continue to also be available on Sundays from 12pm to 3pm until Sunday 12 February 2023.

Out-of-hours appointments were previously planned by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) on behalf of many GP practices in a bigger area. From Saturday 1 October 2022, this is now being planned and delivered locally by Primary Care Networks (PCNs) (apart from the additional Sunday appointments available until Sunday 12 February 2023).

We are working together with other GP practices in our local area as part of the Grays Primary Care Network. You can find out more about the Grays Primary Care Network on our PCN website at https://www.grayspcn.nhs.uk/.

An out-of-hours appointment might not be at your regular GP surgery. When you book an appointment, you will be told where the appointment will be.

These appointments will not be available as walk-in appointments. You will need to book them in advance.

To book an out-of-hours appointment, you should contact your regular GP practice in the usual way. They will advise you on the appointments which are available, and which healthcare professional is the right person to help you.

If you need medical help now but it's not an emergency, you can also go to 111 online or call 111.

Red Extreme Heat Warning Issued By The Met Office

For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Red warning for exceptional heat.

Exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England from Sunday 17 July to Tuesday 19 July, with temperatures likely in the high 30s C in some places and perhaps even reaching 40°C.

The heat health alert for Essex has been ramped up, leading to advice for vulnerable residents such as the elderly, the very young, and people with chronic or severe illness who could be at extra risk.

Health experts are appealing to people to check on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves. Advice includes keeping cool, staying hydrated and being prepared – for example, staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, drinking cold drinks regularly, such as water and avoiding tea, coffee and alcohol.

People are also urged to make plans for important supplies, such as medicines, to minimise the need to travel during the heat of the day.

"In extreme heat, it is vital that people think carefully about what they need to do to protect themselves, their family and particularly vulnerable people"
Dr Pro Mallik

“For some, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. So, if you can, take the opportunity to check in on those family members, friends and neighbours who might need extra assistance.”
Dr Chris Olukanni

Advice for what to do during spells of hot weather includes:

• look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
• drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm. Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you have to go out in the heat. Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
• wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
• if you are travelling, make sure you take water with you, check weather forecasts and traffic news
• plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as water, food and any medications you need
• people are urged not to go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt, NHS111 can help you get the right treatment.

Please click on the link below for additional information on how to cope in hot weather –

Heatwave: How To Cope In Hot Weather

Support For Patients With Diabetes And Learning Disabilities

Improving Diabetes Care In The Community

The Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership are hosting monthly coffee mornings online to promote and help improve diabetes care in the community for people with Learning Disabilities.

The coffee mornings will be hosted from 11:00 – 12:00 on the dates below –

• Wednesday 20 July 2022
• Wednesday 17 August 2022

For more details contact: cprccg.diabetesLDnetwork@nhs.net

Support and Learning Day for people with Learning Disabilities and Diabetes

The Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership will be hosting a Support and Learning Day for people with Learning Disabilities and Diabetes. This event is for both patients and their support workers or carers.

The details for this event are below –

Date: Wednesday 20 July 2022
Time: 09:30 to 16:30
Location: Main Hall, Bishops Hill Adult Community Collage, Rayleigh Road, Hutton, Brentwood CM13 1BD

Places are limited. For More information and to book please email jenny.peckham@essex.gov.uk

Detection Of Vaccine Derived Polio Virus In London Sewage Samples

With the recent detection of the Vaccine Derived Polio Virus in the London sewage system, Public Health England are working to ensure that the public are kept safe and that any risk to the public is contained.

As a part of the response, your GP surgery has been asked to opportunistically check that patients are up to date with their polio-containing vaccines and to catch-up anyone who is un/under vaccinated.

As such, we at Milton Road Surgery may be contacting our registered patients to get booked in for any missing vaccinations and we encourage you to take up the offer. In addition, we encourage parents to check their child’s Red Book and contact us if there are any vaccinations missing.

Learning Disability Week and Cervical Screening Awareness Week

To celebrate Learning Disability Week and Cervical Screening Awareness Week, NHS England and Improvement launched a new video (below) to encourage more people with a learning disability to go for their cervical smear test, and know what kind of support can be asked for.

It is important to involve people with a learning disability in work to reduce health inequalities. The video was designed and written by our NHSE/I colleague Jodie Williams, who stars in the video.

For other news and resources from learning disability week, and further information about cervical screening, follow @NHSAbility

Diabetes Week (13-19th June)

For Diabetes Week, we’re helping promote two digital structured education programmes that are available now across the whole of England:

Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

My Type 1 Diabetes is a free digital resource that offers tailored advice and information created by NHS experts and people living with type 1 diabetes. Adults with type 1 diabetes, their families and carers, and healthcare professionals can use this platform to access information about type 1 diabetes through videos, articles, and accredited online education courses.

How to join

The programme is available now via self-referral. Start using the programme today by visiting: https://www.mytype1diabetes.nhs.uk/

My Type 1 Diabetes can:

• Help participants understand more about type 1 diabetes and increase confidence to manage it.
• Signpost to content created by other expert organisations.
• Offer resources in up to 10 other languages including Polish, Spanish and Urdu.
• Support participants to set achievable goals for diabetes self-care.

Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes is a free online structured education programme designed to help users learn more about type 2 diabetes. Healthy Living has been clinically proven and can help participants live well with type 2 diabetes.

The programme is available to anyone over the age of 18, living in England with type 2 diabetes. Carers of those living with type 2 diabetes can sign up too.

How to join

The programme is available now via self-referral. Start using the programme today by visiting: https://www.healthyliving.nhs.uk/

Healthy Living provides knowledge and information so users can:

• Feel confident in managing type 2 diabetes.
• Reduce diabetes-related distress.
• Improve health and wellbeing.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Feel motivated to continue making healthy lifestyle choices.

Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service

Have you been thinking about making a few changes to your lifestyle so you can improve your health and quality of life?

Whatever the reason may be, many of us want to cut down on those unhealthy habits. Whether it’s eating less, drinking less alcohol or quitting smoking for good, your local health service is here to help.

Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service is a integrated service that aims to provide a single point for residents to access the following services:

• NHS Health checks
• Stop Smoking Service
• Weight Management

Call the service today and one of their specialist advisors will discuss your current lifestyle. From a few simple questions, they will be able to assess which service would be helpful to give you support to make your life healthier and longer.

Contact details

To find out more about the service contact them using the contact information below:

Phone: 0800 292 2299
Email: THLS@thurrock.gov.uk

You can self-refer to the service using the below referral form. Just follow the instructions in the document and return the form to the service.

Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Referral form (52 KB)

You can find out more about the service by downloading the below service leaflet. Please feel free to share:

Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service leaflet (6.47 MB)

This Is Diabetes - Diabetes UK

Diabetes is a hidden condition. Millions of us live with it, but millions more misunderstand it. And we want to change that. Our newest campaign is all about showing what diabetes is really like, through the stories of the people who live with it day in, day out.   You’ll meet Liz, Jon, Kaajal, Gina, Libby and her parents, as they talk about what life with diabetes is like for them. We know it's different for everyone, but we hope you’ll see some of your own experiences in theirs and know you’re not going through it alone. And we hope it also helps you show others how it feels. Learning to listen to your body and dealing with other people’s opinions. Constantly managing numbers and planning ahead. Being the most organised person you know. We’re here for you. For advice, support and community come to https://www.diabetes.org.uk or call our helpline on 0345 123 2399.

Know Your Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

For non-diabetics, the NDPP (NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme) has a useful tool on their website that measures a person's risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Please click on the link below to visit the website and use the tool -

Know your risk of Type 2 diabetes

Support For Carers - Young Carers

A young carer is someone 18 years-old or younger, who looks after a relative who has:

• a disability
• an illness
• a mental health condition
• an alcohol problem
• a drug problem

Young carers often take on an adult’s role by giving practical and emotional support to the people they care for.

Young carers aged 8 to 18

If you are a Thurrock young carer aged between 8 and 18 years-old, you can get support from Thurrock Young Carers.

The service is run by Barking and Dagenham Carers, together with Thurrock Council.

You can make a referral to Thurrock Young Carers by completing the Thurrock form at Barking and Dagenham Carers: make a referral.

Young carers aged 4 to 8

Young carers aged 4 to 8 years-old can get support from the Sunshine Centre, Tilbury.

More information

You can also get information and support from:

• NHS: help for young carers
• NHS: young carers' rights
• Carers Trust: support for young carers

Learning Disability Awareness Week “Fun for Health” Event

We will be holding a Fun For Health event at Bennett Lodge Care Home (Bennett Lodge Care Home, Chadwell St Mary, RM16 4LD) on Tuesday 14th June from 13:30 to 15:30.

There will be -

• Cakes and Refreshments
• Strollecise
• Dancing
• Giant Bubbles
• Smoothie Bike
• Games & prizes
• Football Shoot Out
• Face Painting
• Carers Goody Bags
• Mini Health Checks for Carers

There will also be information available on Clubs & Support in the Thurrock area.

Come and join the fun.

Click on the picture below for out event poster -

Community COVID Vaccination Pop Ups

Please find below the details of three Pop Up COVID Vaccination clinics in Grays and Tilbury until 25 June 2022 -

ASDA Tilbury,Thurrock Park Way, Tilbury RM18 7HJ

Every Thursday from 1000 - 1500 (until 23/06/2022)

IKEA Lakeside, Lakeside Retail Park, Heron Way, Grays RM20 3WJ

Every Friday from 1000 - 1500 (until 24/06/2022)

South Essex College Grays, High Street Grays Essex RM17 6TF

Every Saturday from 1000 - 1500 (until 25/06/2022)

Clinics are open for -

• Adults, 16 yrs and above for 1st and 2nd doses and Boosters (if 90 days since 2nd Dose).
• 12-15 year olds for 1st and 2nd vaccinations.
• Spring Boosters for those who are eligible.

No appointment needed.

Further information regarding Walk-In COVID Vaccination Clinics in Thurrock can be found by visiting the link below -

https://www.essexcovidvaccine.nhs.uk/thurrock-walk-in-clinics/

Monkeypox 

Monkeypox is a rare infection that's mainly spread by wild animals in parts of west or central Africa. The risk of catching it in the UK is low. 

You can catch monkeypox from an infected animal if you're bitten or you touch its blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs. 

It may also be possible to catch monkeypox by eating meat from an infected animal that has not been cooked thoroughly, 

Monkeypox in the UK 

Only a small number of people have been diagnosed with monkeypox in the UK. 

You're extremely unlikely to have monkeypox if: 

• you have not recently travelled to west or central Africa 
• you have not been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox (such as touching their skin or sharing bedding) 

Things you can do to avoid getting monkeypox 

Although monkeypox is rare, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting it. 

Do 

• wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser 
• only eat meat that has been cooked thoroughly 

Don’t 

• do not go near wild or stray animals, including dead animals 
• do not go near any animals that appear unwell 
• do not eat or touch meat from wild animals (bush meat) 
• do not share bedding or towels with people who are unwell and may have monkeypox 
• do not have close contact with people who are unwell and may have monkeypox 

Symptoms of monkeypox 

If you get infected with monkeypox, it usually takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear. 

The first symptoms of monkeypox include: 

• a high temperature 
• a headache 
• muscle aches 
• backache 
• swollen glands 
• shivering (chills) 
• exhaustion 

A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. 

The rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off. 

The symptoms usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. 

Contact your GP or call 111 if: 

You have a rash with blisters and either: 

• <%2