Decision details

Consideration was given to a report that gave a winter planning update.

The report provided an update on Winter planning work across the Council, working with partners. This included measures in place across Adult Social Care (ASC) to respond to Winter pressures and the associated increase in service demands.

Winter 2022/23 presented significant challenges to communities and the health and wellbeing system with cost-of-living pressures, ongoing Covid circulation, flu and other respiratory infections.

To protect vulnerable groups at greater risk, the national decision was taken to start vaccination for flu and COVID on 11th September 2023, starting with care homes and over 75-year-olds. An attachment to the report set out eligible groups.  Vaccines were being evolved constantly in response to the virus.

Community pharmacies also offered flu and Covid vaccinations to those who were eligible. Flu vaccinations could also be purchased from community pharmacies by population groups who were not eligible for a free flu jab through the NHS. Covid vaccinations were not available for purchase. A list of community pharmacies who had signed up to offer COVID-19 and Flu vaccines was attached to the report.

An attachment to the report set out eligible groups for the flu vaccine.  Flu vaccinations for 2-3-year-olds, school-age children (reception to year 11) and children in clinical risk groups started in September, delivered by the school immunisation service and aiming to finish by 15th December 2023.

In addition to the activities detailed within the report the Council (working with its partners across the VCSE sector) had a range of ongoing activities which would support the borough’s residents, specifically those who were experiencing hardship due to the current cost of living challenge.  These were detailed within the report.

Beyond continuing the work described in this report, key updates or proposed changes in approach (e.g. in response to a new threat to population health) would be brought to the Corporate Management Team and Cabinet as needed.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To consider the Winter Planning Update.

None.