NHS opens flu-jab bookings early as West Country hospitals keep up year-round awareness drive
The NHS is opening flu-jab bookings earlier than ever [3884] as part of a broader pattern of year-round health messaging by West Country hospitals [3904, 3937, 3922, 3923, 3934, 4004], while a Somerset MP and a local vet practice also draw attention to economic and community issues [7738, 7694].
NHS England has opened the national flu-jab booking system earlier than ever, allowing eligible people including pregnant women and children to pre-book vaccinations that start on 1 September, the health service said [1].
Across the West Country, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has run a series of awareness campaigns covering dementia, baby loss, hepatitis C, unpaid carers and race equality. It supported Dementia Action Week 2025 from 19–25 May, with a national focus on timely and accurate diagnoses [6], and also supported Dementia Action Week 2026 from 18–24 May, sharing resources such as the Mindsong playlist and community events [2]. The trust also marked Baby Loss Awareness Week from 9 to 15 October 2025 [3], offered free Hepatitis C testing events in Gloucestershire [4], and supported Carers Week from 9–15 June 2025 to highlight unpaid carers [5]. In 2022 it marked Race Equality Week, noting staff from more than 75 nationalities [7].
Elsewhere in the West Country, St Giles Vets is an independent, family-run veterinary practice that has been praised for its care and community events including the St Giles Dog Show & Fete, the Somerset County Gazette reported [8].
In a separate local development, Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox is urging the government to address rising diesel costs and support UK haulage firms after meeting Gillards Transport and the Road Haulage Association, the Bridgwater Mercury reported [9].
Sources
- NHS England: NHS urges those eligible to book a flu jab ahead of this winter season
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Dementia Action Week 2026 15 May 2026, 2:28 p.m. This Dementia Action Week, 18 - 24 May 2026 we're sharing resources including the Mindsong playlist and community events to support those living with dementia and their carers.
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: You are not alone: standing with families during Baby Loss Awareness Week 6 Oct 2025, 7:38 p.m. From 9 to 15 October, we are joining people across the country to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week. This is a time to remember babies who have died during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy and to offer support to anyone affected.
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Hepatitis C: free testing events in Gloucestershire 26 Sep 2025, 1 p.m. The World Health Organisation has set a target to end Hepatitis C worldwide by 2030. To help achieve this goal, the NHS is offering free testing to those who might be at risk.
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Supporting Carers Week 9 - 15 June 2025 6 Jun 2025, 6:17 p.m. Carers Week is a nationwide awareness campaign that shines a light on the invaluable role of unpaid carers; those who provide essential support to family members or friends living with illness, disability, mental health conditions or age-related challenges.
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Supporting Dementia Action Week 2025 19 May 2025, 4:47 p.m. We are proud to support Dementia Action Week 2025, running from 19–25 May, with this year’s national focus on promoting timely and accurate dementia diagnoses.
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Race Equality week 7-13 February 2022 7 Feb 2022, 10:19 a.m. In Race Equality Week, we celebrate the diversity of our employees, which extends to over 75 different nationalities. Race Equality Week is a UK-wide initiative that aims to unite organisations and individuals in taking tangible action to help address issues affecting ethnic minority (EM) employees.
- Somerset County Gazette: St Giles column: All about our independent veterinarian services
- Bridgwater Mercury: Bridgwater MP calls for action over rising haulage fuel costs
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