The government will on Thursday launch a drive to boost childhood vaccination rates, health authorities said, seeking an "urgent reversal" to a fall in
uptake as the country faces a worsening measles outbreak.
Routine childhood immunisations in Britain for diseases including measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria and polio, have been falling gradually over the past
decade, but dipped more sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic, mirroring a global decline.
Last year UNICEF said people worldwide had lost confidence in the importance of routine childhood vaccines during the pandemic, with misinformation, dwindling
trust in governments and political polarisation contributing to rising hesitancy.
Britons will begin seeing adverts from next week across various media, including a television campaign featuring children reminding parents of the risk of missing
out on vaccinations, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
"We need an urgent reversal of the decline in the uptake of childhood vaccinations to protect our communities," UKHSA chief executive Jenny Harries said in a
statement.
Britain almost doubled the number of visas awarded to foreign migrants coming to work in the health and care sector last year, government data showed,
adding to pressure on prime minister Rishi Sunak over immigration ahead of the next general election.
Immigration is one of the top three concerns for voters as the country gears up for an election expected later this year. Trailing the opposition Labour party
in the polls, Sunak has vowed to bring it down.
But data released on Thursday by Home Office was the latest set of statistics to show the scale of the challenge he faces.
Britain granted 337,240 work visas in 2023, 26 per cent higher than in 2022, with the rise largely driven by those coming to the country to work in the care home
sector.
That follows figures released in November which showed annual net migration to the UK hit a record 745,000 in 2022 and has stayed high since.
Visas under the 'Skilled Worker - Health and Care' route almost doubled, Thursday's data showed, rising by 91 per cent to 146,477 last year.
Pfizer on Thursday said a single dose of its new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Abrysvo maintained its ability to protect against the illness
through a second year of respiratory disease season.
The company said in a press release that the vaccine's efficacy against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease with three or more symptoms was 77.8 per cent
through season two, compared with efficacy of 88.9 per cent after the first RSV season, which led to the shot's US approval.
The data is from a late-stage trial of more than 37,000 participants being conducted in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
Cumulative efficacy over both seasons after around 16.4 months of disease surveillance was 81.5 per cent, Pfizer said.
The data is similar to the efficacy of GSK's rival RSV shot Arexvy over two seasons, which was released in June.
More than 500,000 women in England have benefitted from cheaper hormone replacement therapy (HRT) since the launch of the HRT prescription prepayment
certificates (PPC) on 1 April last year, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
HRT is the main treatment for negative menopause symptoms that can impact all areas of a woman's life.
Introduced as part of the government's Women's Health Strategy, which made menopause a priority area, the HRT PPC reduced prescription costs to just £19.30 per
year, helping patients save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges.
The DHSC has confirmed that more than £11 million was saved by women using the PPC in the last nine months.
Using the HRT PPC, patients can get a range of HRT items, including patches, tablets, and topical preparations at reduced prices, and they can use it many times
as needed throughout the year.
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) has become the first healthcare system in the world to provide a new blood group genotyping test for people with
rare inherited blood disorders.
From Monday (22 January), thousands of patients suffering from sickle cell disorder and thalassaemia will get access to the world-first 'blood matching'
genetic test, which will help reduce their risk of transfusion side effects while offering more personalised care.
In England, it is estimated that around 17,000 people are living with sickle cell disorder, with 250 new cases reported each year, and there are about 800
thalassaemia patients, with less than 50 new cases a year.
Health Minister Andrea Leadsom said: "Thousands of people living with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia will be eligible for this new world-first blood
test which is set to transform their care.
The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) has raised concerned about rising cases of scabies in the UK, and suggested that the current shortage of
medicines is contributing to the outbreak.
Usually, this skin condition is treated using topical creams or oral medication in more severe cases, but shortage of scabies drugs has been reported since May 2023.
Both permethrin 5% cream and malathion liquid, which are two main topical treatments for scabies, are in limited supply in the U.K.
Paula Geanau, a spokesperson for BAD, told Fox News Digital on Friday (19 January) that the rate of scabies is double the seasonal average, with three cases
per 100,000 of the population recorded at the end of November by the Royal College of GPs.
Recognising the changing practices in healthcare, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has revised and updated its position on the separation of
prescribing and dispensing or administration of a medicine by the same healthcare professional.
It's previous guidance, published in March 2020, restricted prescribing and dispensing by the same healthcare professional only in exceptional circumstances.
The new guidance, jointly developed with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), has made prescribing and dispensing of medicines more flexible.
It clarifies that "where there is a risk assessment in place and in the best interests of the patient, the same healthcare professional can be responsible for
the prescribing and dispensing / supply / administration of medicines."
The change in the position statement follows an extensive year-long engagement exercise with medical associations, members, fellows, expert advisory groups,
patient groups and the RPS Country Boards.
Britain's drug regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on Monday announced that fluoroquinolone antibiotics must only be
administered when no other antibiotics are appropriate for use.
It elaborated that fluoroquinolones given systemically (by mouth, injection, or inhalation) should only be prescribed "when other recommended antibiotics have
failed, will not work due to resistance, or are unsafe to use in an individual patient."
Previous regulations on fluoroquinolones stated that this class of antibiotics should not be prescribed for mild to moderate or self-limiting infections, or
non-bacterial conditions.
Further restrictions have been introduced after receiving reports from patients who have experienced long-lasting or disabling reactions following use of
fluoroquinolones, the MHRA revealed.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: "Patient safety is our top priority. We have listened to the experience of patients regarding long-lasting
and potentially irreversible adverse reactions following use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, in some cases prescribed for mild-to-moderate infections.
Consumer healthcare group Haleon on Thursday announced that it has entered into a binding agreement for the sale of the ChapStick brand to Suave Brands
Company, a company owned by American private equity firm Yellow Wood Partners.
The British consumer healthcare company has agreed to sell its lip balm brand to Suave for about $430 million in cash and a minority interest in the buyer,
valued at around $80 million.
Haleon, which was spun off from the GSK Group in July 2022, said that cash proceeds from the sale would be used to pay down debt.
ChapStick generated £112 million ($142.5 million) in revenue in 2023, said Haleon, adding that the sale is likely to close in the second quarter of 2024.
Brian McNamara, Chief Executive Officer, Haleon, said: "Today's announcement is consistent with Haleon being proactive in managing our portfolio, and being
rigorous and disciplined where there are opportunities for divestment.
"While ChapStick is a great brand, much loved by consumers around the world, it is not a core focus for Haleon.
Eli Lilly's weight-loss medicine Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, will be available in the UK within weeks as a four-dose pre-filled injection pen.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the drug to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and for weight management in obese patients.
Branded as Mounjaro KwikPen, the injection is to be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, the regulator said.
"The public health importance of safe and effective treatments to help manage diabetes and obesity, which can have a significant impact on people's health, is clear.
"This approval enables access to the approved Mounjaro pen in a more convenient presentation of a month's treatment, of one dose per week," said Julian Beach,
MHRA Interim Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access.
With 118 new cases confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the total number of measles cases reported in England since 1 October 2023 has gone
up to 465.
According to the latest data published by the agency, West Midlands continues to see a disproportionately high rate of infections, with a sharp rise in case
numbers over the last six weeks, mainly driven by cases in Birmingham.
In England, there were 17 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in October, 42 in November, 161 in December, 240 in January 2024.
Five more cases were confirmed last week, according to the measles statistics updated by UKHSA on 8 February.
More than 70 per cent (329 of 465) of total confirmed cases were reported from the West Midlands, 13 per cent (62 of 465) from London, seven per cent (32 of 465)
in Yorkshire and The Humber, and the remaining cases from other regions of England.
The UK government on Wednesday (7 February) announced a new plan to ensure faster, simpler and fairer access to NHS dental care across England.
Supported by £200m of funding, the plan aims to deliver more than 1.5 million additional NHS dentistry treatments or up to 2.5 million NHS dental appointments
for patients over the next 12 months
NHS dentists will be offered a 'new patient' payment of between £15-£50, depending on treatment need, to treat new patients who have not seen a dentist in two
years or more.
Additionally, one-off payments of up to £20,000 will be given to around 240 dentists for working in under-served areas for up to three years.
This is to "attract new NHS dentists and improve access to dental care in areas with the highest demand," NHS England said in a statement released on Wednesday.
NHS England is encouraging people to get their flu and Covid vaccines as hospitals dealt with the highest number of norovirus and flu cases this winter.
An average of 688 patients with norovirus were in hospital each day last week, 75 per cent higher than the same time last year (393), according to the latest
data from NHS England.
The data also showed an average of 2,226 patients with flu in hospital each day last week, which is three-quarters higher than the same week last January (1,290).
Compared to last month, there has been an 80 per cent increase in the daily count of norovirus cases and 70 per cent in flu cases.
In the week ending Dec 31, NHSE recorded 1,312 hospital admissions due to norovirus and 376 and 1,312 flu cases each day.
In a new study, men who took phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), such as Viagra (sildenafil; Pfizer), for treatment of erectile dysfunction, were found to be 18 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to those who did not take the drugs.
The results of the population-based cohort study were published in Neurology on 7 February 2024.
Researchers at University of Oxford examined IQVIA Medical Research Data UK records of 269,725 men, who were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction between
January 2000 and March 2017.
None of the participants had any memory or thinking problems at the start of the study and they were followed for an average of 5.1 years.
During the study, 749 out of 1,119 participants taking erectile dysfunction drugs developed Alzheimer's disease.
Achieving and maintaining healthy-looking skin is a journey that requires dedication and a well-rounded approach. Our skin, the largest organ in our body,
deserves the utmost care to thrive. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into a step-by-step approach that encompasses various aspects of skincare,
from daily routines to advanced treatments. Discover the secrets to a radiant complexion that not only looks good but also reflects your overall well-being.
Establish a Consistent Daily Routine
A consistent daily skincare routine is the bedrock for achieving and maintaining healthy skin. This foundational step involves a series of carefully chosen
products and practices that work together to nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. Begin your routine with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prepare
your skin for subsequent products. Follow this with a balancing toner to restore your skin's pH and create an optimal environment for absorption. Integrate a
quality moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its natural barrier. Don't overlook the importance of sunscreen in the morning to shield your skin
from the harmful effects of UV rays. This daily ritual not only provides essential nutrients for your skin but also establishes a preventive measure against
environmental stressors, setting the stage for a radiant and healthy complexion.
The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) on Monday alerted the Health and Social Care Committee that medicines shortages have increased and
are "around double what they were a year ago."
BGMA chief executive Mark Samuels told the committee that they have been highlighting the medicine shortage risk to ministers since July 2021 and the association
is "very concerned" about the current situation.
"We've been monitoring it for several years now, and as you saw in the written evidence, shortages have increased. They're around double what they were a year ago.
We have them at 101 shortages in February this year," said Samuels.
Dr Rick Greville, director of distribution and supply at the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), highlighted that the problem of drug
shortages in the UK is a "long-standing issue" and the scarcity of certain medications "continues to be challenging".
Are you looking to infuse your day with tranquility and vitality? Look no further than the delicate and nuanced world of green tea blends. Whether you're a
seasoned connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of tea, the artistry and serenity found in a well-crafted green tea blend are unmatched. Read on
to discover the variety of green tea blends and how they can elevate your tea-drinking experience to new heights of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Health Benefits: Nourishing Body and Mind
Beyond their exquisite taste, green tea blends offer a myriad of health benefits that can nourish both body and mind. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, green
tea is known to boost metabolism, improve heart health, and enhance cognitive function. Green tea can contribute to helping you relax and unwind, while also
providing a gentle energy boost to tackle your day with clarity and focus. Additionally, the ritual of preparing and savoring a cup of green tea can be a mindful
practice that promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
A recent study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice sheds light on the detrimental effects of obesity on workplace absenteeism and economic
productivity.
The analysis, encompassing data from millions of workers across Europe, reveals a direct correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the likelihood of taking sick
leave.
According to the study, obese individuals are up to twice as likely to take time off work due to health issues compared to those of a healthy weight.
The increased sick notes among obese individuals is attributed to various complications associated with obesity, including joint pain, diabetes, depression, and
heart disease.
In the United Kingdom, where obesity rates are among the highest in Europe, the impact of obesity on workplace absenteeism is particularly pronounced.
"Patients deserve choice, but wherever they go they will find vacant nursing posts and overstretched services," responded Professor Pat Cullen, RCN
General Secretary and Chief Executive, to the introduction of the new pilot scheme for out-of-hospital patient care.
The NHSE and the DHSC have announced a new pilot scheme commencing in autumn "offering patients a choice of where they receive out-of-hospital care".
Under the initiative, individuals requiring treatment outside of hospitals will have the opportunity to select from a range of providers across both the NHS
and the independent sector.
Patients can select their care provider for in-hospital consultant-led services post-GP consultation, offering a choice from at least 5 providers with details
on waiting times, distance, and quality.
In a strategic move to enhance healthcare delivery, the NHS has announced plans to intensify the utilisation of virtual wards under the the Urgent and
Emergency Care Recovery Plan.
The NHS virtual wards are aimed to reduce avoidable hospital admissions across England.
This follows a comprehensive analysis revealing significant benefits from virtual wards over the past year.
"Virtual wards offer a transformative approach to healthcare delivery, allowing patients to receive medical care from the comfort of their own homes," remarked
NHS national director for urgent and emergency care, Sarah-Jane Marsh.
"This initiative not only reduces the burden on hospital resources but also ensures that patients receive timely and personalised care."
