Glastonbury Health Centre

01/05/2026

"Stroke Awareness Month takes place every May to raise awareness of the devastating impact of stroke. It also highlights the importance of providing vital support for stroke survivors and those who care for them. This year, we're asking you to Make May Purple, so we can support more people affected by stroke."

https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke-awareness-month

27/04/2026

With the bank holiday approaching, make sure you order your repeat prescription in advance.

For more information on how to do this, visit
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/how-to-order-a-repeat-prescription/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRcJK9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA3YmxzVXdVMlVJajd3TFdkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkrVFcpMN447mJ1HBYfBBXIKa-dV9-QQdE105evlw3selPAhmMjLY0OCz-E0_aem_ygG-hvKlUPLlq4IyjKiZDg

24/04/2026

World Immunisation Week 2026
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week/2026

World Immunisation Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to promote the life-saving power of immunization to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccines have long been one of the most powerful tools in public health. Over the last 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives not by accident, but because ordinary people made the decision to protect themselves, their children and one another. That’s 6 lives every minute, every day, for five decades.

Health workers rolling up sleeves, parents bringing their children to health clinics, communities showing up, and generations deciding that preventing infectious diseases, such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis and polio, is worth it.

Those choices to vaccinate have contributed to a 40% improvement in infant survival during that time and protected tens of millions of children from lifelong disabilities. More children now live to see their first birthday – and grow up, fall in love, have families, and grow old more than at any other point in human history.

This year’s World Immunisation Week theme, “For every generation, vaccines work”, aims to promote how vaccines have safely protected people, families, and communities for generations – and continue to safeguard our future.

21/04/2026

We have created a simple poster to show how our askmyGP service is working for you—take a look below:

16/04/2026

Armed Forces Outreach Sessions in various locations - dates from April to August. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nhssomersetarmedforcescommunity/

07/04/2026

Resident doctors in England are due to strike from 7am on 7 April to 7am on 13 April 2026. Please continue to attend your appointments and come forward for the care you need.

07/04/2026

02/04/2026

https://waam.autism.org.uk/

World Autism Acceptance Day is held annually on 2 April in the UK to increase understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of autistic people. Often marked by a week of events (2–8 April 2026), it focuses on celebrating strengths and breaking down barriers in education and employment, frequently led by the National Autistic Society.

01/04/2026

Find ways to manage stress via Mental Health UK:
https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/stress/

April marks Stress Awareness Month and has done so since 1992. It’s an important time to reflect on the causes of stress and explore practical ways to manage it.

Stress Awareness Month provides an opportunity to share helpful techniques, raise awareness of the support available, and encourage open, honest conversations about stress with those around us. It’s also a chance to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health and stress.

Stress is your body’s natural reaction to pressure, challenges, or life changes. In small doses, it can help you stay alert, focused, and even boost immunity temporarily.

However, prolonged stress can affect your mental and physical health, increasing the risk of burnout, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, headaches, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

Here you can find out what stress is, how it affects you, and practical strategies to manage it before it becomes long-term or leads to burnout.

30/03/2026

On Friday 27 March, the government published new, evidence-informed guidance to help parents and carers of children under 5 navigate screen time.

Digital screens are now a normal part of family life. The early years are however critical for development - 90% of a child’s brain development occurs by age 5, making it a critical period for the development of social, emotional and cognitive skills.

The advice is informed by recommendations from an expert panel and has also been developed with parents. It is designed to provide practical, clear and straightforward advice to help families make informed choices that support their child’s development during the years that matter most.

The advice is available on the Best Start in Life website.
https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s/

26/03/2026

During Easter, NHS GP practices and pharmacies are generally closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with reduced hours over the weekend. Patients should order prescriptions in advance and use 111 online or 999 for emergencies. 2026 Easter bank holidays are April 3 (Good Friday) and April 6 (Easter Monday).

https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/news/nhs-somerset-urges-the-public-to-be-well-prepared-to-enjoy-the-easter-holidays/

19/03/2026

Meningitis B Update

Vaccinations:
In light of the recent Meningitis B outbreak in Kent, we would like to clarify our position regarding Meningitis vaccinations.
The Meningitis B vaccine was introduced in 2015 and is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. We are only able to administer this vaccine to children up to the age of 2. Anyone over the age of 2 will need to access the vaccine privately. There are no current plans for a national catch-up campaign.

The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is routinely offered to teenagers through school-based programmes. If you are under 18 and have not received this vaccine, please contact SAINT (School Immunisation Service) on 0300 323 0032.

If you are aged 18–24 and have not yet had the MenACWY vaccine, please contact the practice to arrange an appointment.
You can also check your vaccination records via the NHS App.

Antibiotics:
GPs have been asked to prescribe antibiotics to certain people who attend the University of Kent, close contacts identified by the UKHSA & people who attended a club (Club Chemistry) in Canterbury on 5-7th March. If you fall into one of the above categories, please contact us.

For more information about Meningitis B, please follow this link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/