Health & Safety

Measles catch-up campaign confirmed in Lincolnshire

As a result of increasing cases of measles, parents of unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated young people will be receiving letters in the coming weeks, inviting them to have MMR vaccinations at their local GP surgery.

Public Health England and Lincolnshire County Council are reacting to the government's directive to run a catch-up campaign for 10 – 16 year olds, which was announced recently. GPs have been contacted and asked to identify patients who have not had the two doses of MMR needed to be fully protected against measles.

Dr Tony Hill, Director of Public Health at the county council, said:

"Measles is a very serious and highly infectious illness. The best way to prevent an outbreak in Lincolnshire, is to ensure children and young people have had both doses of the MMR vaccine that they need.

"GPs will be writing to parents of those aged 10 to 16, as this age group has a low take-up of the vaccine and has seen an increase in cases of measles as a result. However, if anyone is unsure if they have been vaccinated we strongly urge them to ask their General Practitioner.

"If you have chosen not to have the vaccination for yourself or your child in the past, it's not too late to change your mind and have it now. Vaccinations are safe and effective." 

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Need help to stay warm?

As the temperature falls and energy bills rise more people in Lincolnshire are set to face fuel poverty.

When keeping warm through the winter becomes a real concern to those on a low income Responders to Warmth may be able to help.

Responders to Warmth is available to anyone on a state benefit, or those with a chronic or acute health difficulty, as verified by a professional.  It also supports voluntary sector groups in delivering warmth-related services locally.

The services on offer include:

•           Loft and cavity wall insulation

•           Boiler repair or replacement

•           Heating and hot water adaptation

•           Warmth related handy- person

•           Energy and tariff advice

Lincolnshire has more than 70,000 households suffering fuel poverty and the subsequent misery of cold, damp homes due to under heating could lead to ill health. Fuel poverty is when occupant needs to spend more than ten per cent of their income on energy bills.

With recent energy price hikes, it is likely another 2,000 Lincolnshire homes will struggle to keep warm this winter.  This is the equivalent of six small Lincolnshire villages.

Responders to Warmth offers a range of services from warmth-related handy-persons, heating and hot water repairs and adaptations, free insulation, warming meals, blankets and portable heaters through to hot-water bottles, warm clothing and even sleeping bags.

An elderly pensioner who suffered with a range of health problems said Responders to Warmth were “prompt, efficient, polite, friendly and above all else the bungalow is more like a home than living in sometimes Arctic-like conditions”.

Housing tenure exclusions apply and there is a combined annual household income limit and savings limit in operation. In some instances clients may be asked for a contribution towards measures.

If you fit the eligibility criteria and need assistance in keeping warm this winter please contact Responders to Warmth on 0845 606 4566.

If you work for a voluntary agency Responders would love to hear from you too.

Further details are available at http://www.responderstowarmth.co.uk/ or email the scheme direct at admin@responderstowarmth.co.uk

For further information contact:

Julie Heath, Senior Communications Officer, on (01427) 676502