NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex

25/11/2025

This autumn, there has been a change in who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. This means that you may not be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine this year, even if you were last year.

On the advice of the JCVI, the focus of COVID-19 vaccinations is shifting towards targeted vaccination of those at highest risk of serious disease. So this autumn, COVID-19 vaccinations are being offered to:
• adults aged 75 years and over
• residents in care homes for older adults
• people who are immunosuppressed

People who are immunosuppressed include those undergoing some chemotherapy and radiotherapy; transplant recipients, people with HIV; people with genetic conditions or who take medicines that supress their immune system long-term; people who have experienced blood cancers, plus some other specific groups. The definition of immunosuppressed is quite complicated but we've included a link in the comments to the 'green book' which gives more detail.

If you are not in one of the eligible groups this year, a pharmacist or GP won’t be able to give you the COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to everyone for your understanding and for being kind to staff who are delivering the vaccination programme.

23/11/2025

𝟭𝟰,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴!💥 We now have over 14,000 new Flu Fighters across Hertfordshire and west Essex who’ve joined the mission to protect their families, friends, and communities this flu season!

Every nasal spray given is a step closer to keeping flu at bay. But the fight isn’t over yet…

Children aged 2 and 3 years are still eligible for their free NHS flu vaccine – a quick, painless nasal spray that packs powerful protection.
✅No needles
✅No fuss
✅Just one spray to help save the day!

By vaccinating your child, you’re helping protect:
👵🏻Grandparents
🤰🏾Pregnant family members
👶🏽Younger siblings
💙Loved ones with health conditions

📍You can book now by contacting your GP practice or visiting the NHS website to find a local pharmacy.

Flu changes every year, that’s why it’s so important to stay up to date with vaccinations. Let’s keep growing our army of little superheroes – because every spray counts! 💪🏼

22/11/2025

If you're expecting a baby, please have all the vaccinations you're entitled to. They will protect both you and your baby from serious illness. You will be offered flu, RSV and pertusis (whooping cough) vaccinations - please come forward when invited and talk to your GP or midwife if you have any questions.

21/11/2025

Thank you for playing your part during industrial action last weekend and using services wisely.

As we move in to the weekend and a busy cold weekend ahead please continue to use appropriate services. If you have a minor concern you can get advice and treatment for some conditions at your local pharmacy.

If you need more urgent help, or it is more serious then visit 111.nhs.uk to find the right care.

21/11/2025

We’ve partnered with Healthwatch Essex and Healthwatch Hertfordshire to explore people’s experiences of community pharmacies and see where services can be improved.

Whether you use pharmacies to pick up prescriptions, seek help or advice with a minor health issue, get a flu jab or a blood pressure check or use walk-in services, make your voice count by completing an online survey.

Follow the links in the comments to find out more and take part!

21/11/2025

Celebrating another HSJ Awards success for our system!
We’re thrilled that Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust’s FOLLOW initiative has won the Early Intervention and Prevention for Children, Young People and Families category at the HSJ Awards.

This achievement shows the power of partnership across our Integrated Care System – bringing together clinical expertise, research, and community support to give children the best start in life.

👏 Huge congratulations to the Speech and Language Therapy team, and a special mention to Dr Elizabeth Kendrick, Chief Medical Officer, who was a finalist for Clinical Leader of the Year!

We’re incredibly proud to share that our FOLLOW initiative has WON the Early Intervention and Prevention for Children, Young People and Families category at last night’s HSJ Awards! 💙✨

FOLLOW is our simple, evidence-based framework that helps parents and carers support their child’s communication skills from birth. It’s already making a real difference to children and families across Hertfordshire and West Essex — and this award is fantastic recognition of everyone involved.

Our Chief Executive, Elliot Howard-Jones, said:
“We couldn’t be prouder of the Speech and Language Therapy team for their outstanding achievement. The FOLLOW initiative shows what’s possible when a great idea is developed through partnership working and evidence-based research and embedded into routine practice.”

👏 A huge shout-out as well to our Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Kendrick, who was named a finalist for Clinical Leader of the Year!

Want to see all the HSJ Awards winners?
👉 awards.hsj.co.uk/winners-2025

One YMCA Broxbourne Family Centre Service East Herts Family Centre Service North Herts Family Centres St Albans Family Centre Service Watford & Three Rivers Family Centre Service Dacorum Family Centre Service

21/11/2025

Fantastic news for our Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System!

We’re proud to share that West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been crowned ‘Trust of the Year’ at the HSJ Awards – and also won in the ‘Performance Recovery’ category!

This double win is a huge achievement for the Trust and highlights the power of partnership working in south west Hertfordshire.

These awards recognise remarkable progress in improving services for patients – something that benefits everyone in our area. While this is a moment to celebrate, the commitment to delivering even better care continues.

Congratulations to everyone involved! 👏

21/11/2025

Flu can be really serious if you have a long-term health condition. The FREE flu vaccine can help your body fight the virus off and be your protective armour. Check your eligibility and book your flu vaccine now at a pharmacy or your GP practice: www.nhs.uk/book-flu

21/11/2025

Making plans for the weekend? Free flu vaccinations are on offer in pharmacies for people aged 65+ or those with a long term health condition. Children aged 2-3 can also get a free flu nasal spray from a pharmacy. Don't put off getting protected. Flu is circulating widely and no one wants to be unwell at such a busy time of year. Book on the NHS website or app, call 119 or drop in to your nearest pharmacy.

21/11/2025

Need medical help but not sure where to go? Visit NHS 111 online for urgent medical help

20/11/2025

Need medical help urgently? If you go to NHS 111 you can get help or be signposted to somewhere for advice or treatment.