From 1 January 2026, all children will be offered the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age. This adds protection against chickenpox to the existing provision of protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

This guidance for healthcare professionals describes eligibility, administration and safety, and answers frequently asked questions about the new vaccination programme.

To learn more about the MMRV vaccine vist the NHS webpage https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/ 

Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious illnesses, with potentially life-changing complications, that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. Mumps outbreaks are currently occurring across England. Children need two doses of the safe and effective MMR vaccine. Both doses are needed to ensure full and lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

If your child has missed either of these two doses, please contact us for an appointment with Nurse Jo. It’s never too late to catch up and protect those around you.

National Obesity Awareness Week (NOAW) runs annually in January to raise awareness of the dangers of obesity while educating about managing weight.

Losing weight has many benefits for your health, if you’re currently overweight. Not only will you feel better in yourself, but it may help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

While it may seem daunting, making small changes to your diet and lifestyle can really help to lose the pounds. Why not try some of these ideas?

• Swap sugary drinks for water
• Read food labels – choose green choices rather than red
• Choose wholegrain alternatives for bread, cereals and pasta
• Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables daily
• Restrict alcohol intake

Weight loss is always more successful with support. If you don’t want to join a group, share your plan with someone close to you to motivate you on the days when you’re struggling.

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, we’re encouraging women and people with a cervix to attend their cervical screening appointment – it really does save lives. Cervical screening is a free health test that can prevent up to 75% of cervical cancers and is estimated to save around 5,000 lives every year.

While it can sometimes feel worrying, understanding what to expect during your appointment can help to put you at ease and make attending easier. The test itself usually takes less than five minutes. While it may feel briefly uncomfortable, it’s an important check that could save your life. If you’re due, book your test today.

January can be a challenging month – short days, cold weather and the pressure of a new year and finances can take their toll on our mental health.

If you’re finding things tough, you’re not alone. Setting small goals and prioritising your wellbeing can make a big difference. Get outside for regular walks, take up a new hobby or practise mindfulness. Find something that works for you.

Put yourself first this January.
https://wellbeingtrust.org/blogs/ja...the-holidays-to-your-own-personal-well-being/

Whether you’ve overindulged during the festive season or you’re simply ready to make a change for your health, January is a great time to reset your relationship with alcohol.

Trying Dry January can have many more benefits that you’d expect – not only will your bank balance see a positive change but your health will thank you! In just 30 days, you’ll find you sleep better, your energy levels and concentration will increase, and by the end of the month, you’ll have reduced your risk of developing cancer.

You can even keep motivated with the free Try Dry® app; download it today: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january

Why not give an alcohol-free January a try?

https://alcoholchange.org.uk/blog/benefits-of-dry-january-and-when-you-can-expect-to-see-them

January is the perfect time to try something new, and Veganuary is all about exploring delicious, plant-based meals.

Every change makes a positive impact on animals, the planet and you. Going plant-based can help you lose weight, improve kidney function and lower blood sugar levels while reducing your carbon footprint, deforestation and water pollution. Find some recipe ideas here: https://veganuary.com/recipes/

One in 20 adults experience domestic abuse every year, that’s almost 21,000 people a year in Buckinghamshire or 57 people every day. People may live with abuse for a long period of time before seeking help.

Together, we must change this.

We need to talk about the signs of controlling behaviour and domestic abuse and look out for our relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbours and people in our community.

Buckinghamshire Council is working to raise awareness of the signs of domestic abuse and the support that is available.

Please visit their website for more information on how to recognise, report and get support - https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/campaign/domestic-abuse-red-flags/ 

If you’re caring for someone at risk of going missing, you might want to have a look at the Herbert Protocol. Named after a war veteran called George Herbert, the Herbert Protocol helps you to establish information about someone who’s at risk before they go missing.

In the event that they later do go missing, you’re able to quickly share the information with the police force.

We’ve linked some national information below, but you’ll be able to find the information for your local police force and their forms by carrying out an internet search. The police will ask additional questions about what happened if/when the individual goes missing, but having the protocol ready helps you to think about important information beforehand when you’re not in a moment of intense stress.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-s...gether-magazine/scheme-support-missing-people

The safety initiative ‘Ask for Angela’ is being rolled out to bars, clubs and other licensed businesses across England.

People who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’. This code-phrase will indicate to staff that they require help with their situation and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist them. This might be through reuniting them with a friend, seeing them to a taxi, or by calling venue security and/or the police. 

Venues that support ‘Ask for Angela’ have been given Welfare And Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training. Delivered by the Met’s licensing officers and Safer Sounds partnership, it gives staff the ability to help customers who may be in a situation that makes them vulnerable or unsafe.

For more information about the scheme, visit: https://askforangela.co.uk/

Aged 17 to 65?

Generally fit and well?

Weigh more than 7st 12lbs (50kg) and less than 25st (158kg)?

You could help by donating blood as stocks are critically low.

Giving blood

You can give blood at thousands of donation venues across England, from permanent donor centres to pop-up community venues.

More about giving blood

Giving plasma

You can give plasma (part of your blood that can make life-saving medicines) at 3 donation venues in England:

• Birmingham
• Reading
• Twickenham

More about giving plasma

Information: 

Note that you can't donate blood and plasma at the same appointment.

If you have a baby under six months of age, it can be really difficult to know whether you need to make a medical appointment, or whether you can safely look after your baby at home. The Lullaby Trust built an app to help parents of young babies to know the difference:
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/baby-check-app/

National Weaning Week, 12th – 16th May

Babies are usually ready to start trying their first solid foods when they reach six months of age. Giving your baby a wide variety of normal family foods can encourage habits for life, but we do need to make sure we’re careful as some foods such as salt and honey aren’t suitable for very young children.
https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/weaning/how-to-start-weaning-your-baby/