Page 48 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v CHIROPODY/PODIATRY 07895 691290 Kerry Grassick BSc (Hons) Podiatry MRCPod KG PODIATRY First Floor, South Street Shopping Centre, Hythe SO45 6EB * LIFT ACCESS * Email: kerrythepodiatrist@gmail.com Karen 07590 516009 Thursdays 7am & 9am St John’s Church Hall, Hythe Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Older People Are Being Encouraged To Have Their Free RSV Vaccination Invitations are being sent out to thousands of older people living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight encouraging them to take up the o er of a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. RSV spreads all year round and a ects the airways and lungs, and for older adults it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia or other life-threatening conditions. Invites will be sent to anyone aged 75-79 or those who turned 80 a er 1st September 2024, urging them to book a vaccination appointment with their GP. Since the end of August 2024, more than 61,000 people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been vaccinated again RSV, this is 51 per cent of those eligible. However, that means nearly half of those eligible are yet to get protected. Pregnant women are also eligible for the vaccine from 28 weeks onwards, as RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality, with more than 5,000 women being vaccinated across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since August 2024. Women can speak to their maternity service or GP practice to book their vaccination in. Dr Matt Nisbet, a local GP and clinical lead at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “I would encourage everyone who receives an invitation to have their RSV vaccination to take up the offer. RSV is relatively unknown among the public and it typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in older people or young babies it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis which can result in hospital admissions. We usually see an increase in cases of RSV during the winter months, but it can affect people all year round and can make older people seriously ill. This is why it is vital for all those who are eligible to have their vaccination. You do not need to wait to be contacted before booking your vaccination.” e RSV vaccine reduces the risk of severe symptoms and only one dose is needed. ose eligible for the RSV vaccine includes those aged between 75-79, those who turned 80 a er 1st September 2024 and pregnant women. More information on RSV symptoms and vaccination is available on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/ RSV Vaccination Romsey Open Gate Stroke Club Romsey Open Gate Stroke Club meets on Tuesday afternoons, 2pm–4pm, in Romsey Abbey Rooms (behind the Abbey, SO51 8EN). e Club o er a warm, friendly and understanding welcome to anyone who has survived a stroke. ey enjoy a range of activities including games, garden visits, parties, entertainment, music, quizzes, boat trips and bingo. Transport can be arranged if required. e Club is part of the Stroke Group Network with the Stroke Association. For more information please contact Joy Clamp on: 07821 389629 or email: mjdrclamp1@ btinternet.com or Jill Edwards: 01794 340209. Worried About Cancer? from Waterside Cancer Support Centre Waterside Cancer Support Centre o ers a welcoming space to talk about your concerns. Our friendly volunteers will give you a cuppa and a listening ear, or maybe you’d bene t from counselling or some complementary therapy. Come and nd us at e Grove, 25 St John’s Street, Hythe (opposite Lidl) or give us a call on 023 8178 0409. We’re open for drop-ins Monday to Friday from 10am until 1pm. New Forest Disability New Forest Disability is at The Grove every Thursday to support Waterside residents with their disabilityrelated bene ts. is service is by appointment only and pre-booked through their main o ce on: 01425 628750. ey also o er a Drop-in Advice Service at Hythe Library on the first Tuesday of every month, between 11am and 1pm. So, if you need advice on equipment, transport, carer support, social activities, disabled facilities grants (ramps, level access showers, door widening), disability-related bene ts, support groups or anything else, go along and ask their friendly adviser a question. ey’d be happy to help. For more information about the services they o er, visit: www. newforestdis.org.uk STOMA SUPPORT Waterside Stoma Support meets at St Andrew’s Church, Dibden Purlieu every other month. A Stoma Nurse is in attendance along with a stoma care company when available for advice and samples. eir next meeting will be on Wednesday 14th May from 1.30pm until 3pm. With refreshments and homemade cakes (for a small charge) a friendly face is guaranteed. Friends and carers are welcome to go along to chat to fellow ostomates. For more information telephone Ian on: 07710 288785 or email: Iangapp13@gmail.com
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