'Public Health Wales has now started its annual flu campaign'

MS for Delyn

One of the many concerns which constituents of all ages share with me is about the environment and the importance of tackling climate change for future generations. Whether its how we make our transport infrastructure more sustainable, or how we produce cleaner, greener energy, it is clear that communities here in North Wales want to play their part in protecting our planet.

A few weeks ago I visited Ysgol Y Foel to present them with the Landscape Award from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, following the school’s decarbonisation project. The oil heating system has been replaced and over 80 solar panels and a number of air source pumps, which has reduced the school’s carbon footprint to net zero. I had previously visited the school and heard the pupils passionately demonstrate the work that had been done to decarbonise the school how they had secured support to make it a reality.

The funding for the project was secured through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Development Fund, as well as support from Flintshire County Council, demonstrating real investment in tackling the climate emergency. It really is fantastic to see our future generations taking such an interest in the health and future of our environment, and I want to congratulate everyone involved once again for winning this recognition.

At the start of this week the rollout of the vaccination programme for 12-15 year olds began, with a commitment from the Health Minister, that everyone in this age bracket will have received an invitation for their vaccination by October half-term. Betsi Cadwaladr UHB will be writing out to the parents and carers of young people in this age bracket with an appointment, so there is no need to contact either the health board or the GP to request an appointment.

It is important that young people have all the information they need and I would encourage them to find out more about the vaccine from trusted sources such as Public Health Wales.

Public Health Wales has now started its annual flu campaign and encouraging all those eligible to get the jab to protect our communities as much as possible from flu. The list of eligible people has grown this year with all secondary school pupils and everyone over 50 now eligible to receive the vaccine, to help reduce pressures on our NHS as we approach the winter months.

Last year saw the highest ever uptake of the flu jab with over one million doses administered across Wales. I want to thank all those involved in both last year’s and this year’s rollouts, from the staff at the GP practices, to those in the community pharmacies for their efforts in protecting our most vulnerable. You can find out if you are eligible for a flu jab by visiting the Betsi Cadwaladr UHB website.

If you have any questions about my work as your Member of the Senedd or would like to ask for advice and support, please get in touch with me on 01352 762102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales.