Health leaders from across Norfolk and Waveney’s Integrated Care System (ICS) are encouraging local people to ensure their health and wellbeing is ‘winter ready’ with the launch of its Warm and Well campaign.

Launching today (23 October), the campaign encourages people to prepare in advance for seasonal illnesses, by booking their vaccinations when they’re invited to do so, ensuring they request their repeat prescription medications regularly and considering support elderly family members may need.

There’s also advice around preventing slips, trips and falls which are more common in winter, regularly exercising even if the weather is poor, and keeping warm indoors and outdoors.

Top tips for winter include:

• Get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations as soon as you’re offered them to get the maximum benefit. You’ll be proactively contacted by the NHS if you’re eligible this year. Vaccines won’t stop you catching virus’ but they will reduce how ill you are

• Keep yourself well by staying warm, being active, and keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet so you’re prepared for common winter illnesses. This is particularly important for older people and those with long-term health conditions

• If you look after someone, take advantage of advice and support, including information on how to set up an emergency carer plan

• If you do become unwell, stay at home to stop bugs spreading. This advice is as important now as it was during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Make use of the range of NHS services available across Norfolk and Waveney, including NHS 111, Pharmacy First service available at many community pharmacies, Walk-in Centre in Norwich and the Minor Injuries Unit in Cromer, as well as your own GP surgery team

• If the weather is cold why not visit a local warm space which are free for everyone to spend time in.

Dr Frankie Swords, Executive Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Winter can be a tough time and our mental and physical health can suffer. By taking some simple steps now, you can help to shield yourself and your family from the common seasonal illnesses winter can bring. Prevention is better than cure!

“Viruses easily circulate during the winter months and can stop you from going to work, school or enjoying social plans. The best way to prevent getting really ill from horrible winter bugs is by getting your free vaccine as soon as you’re offered it by the NHS.

“Remember, even if you got your vaccines last year, you still need to get this year’s doses as viruses change and protection fades over time. The groups we’re vaccinating have slightly changed this year, so please wait to be contacted or check our website for more information and how to book.

“We’ve collated some top tips, resources and information on our Warm and Well webpage. Please do take a look and seek help if you’re struggling – NHS 111 is a good place to start to work out how you can get the quickest and best help for you.”

Norfolk Libraries are open to everyone and provide a warm space for people to sit in comfort and access a variety of services. These include reading, computer access, and community and activity groups. You can find your nearest library here. Several organisations and venues have also opened free, warm, welcoming spaces for the public in Norfolk this winter. Search the Warm Welcome website to find a community hot-spot or warm space.

Councillor Fran Whymark, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, added: “I am always proud to support the drive for improvements to our residents’ health, particularly so during winter. Winter can be a challenging time, especially for those who are isolated, vulnerable or in ill health, and we know that demand for public services tends to increase during this period too.

“The best way to protect yourself is to get ‘winter ready’ now. Make sure you book your vaccinations as soon as you’re offered them, keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet so you’re prepared for winter bugs, and if you care for someone then take the time to set up an emergency carer plan for the winter period, just in case. Let’s stay warm and well this year.”

To access support and information, visit: www.winterwellnorfolkwaveney.co.uk.