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cvcev.bsky.social
Clinically Vulnerable Families 💙💜💗
@cvcev.bsky.social
5.9K followers 1.2K following 1.3K posts
UK Covid-19 Inquiry Core Participant
Safe access to health, workplaces, education and beyond

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www.clinicallyvulnerable.org
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cvcev.bsky.social
📢A public health campaign is needed to inform people about the benefits of high-grade masks in an outbreak.

😷Why isn't FFP2 a minimum requirement in healthcare settings?

🛡Why haven't Clinically Vulnerable people been informed?

#FluIsAirborne
5/
UKHSA advertisement: COUGH LIKE DRACULA Coughing into your elbow as if you're lifting a cape is a frightfully easy way to keep germs from spreading even beyond Halloween. Clinically Vulnerable Families response: MASK LIKE DRACULA Airborne germs float like mist. Wearing a well-fitted FFP2 / FFP3 mask and staying in your "coffin" (stay home) when unwell help stop them from spreading even beyond Halloween.
November 13, 2025 at 3:41 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
In the UK, there is a drive to increase vaccine uptake, which remains low.

Also, antivirals have been made available for all Clinically Vulnerable people, even if they only experienced a close contact or for unconfirmed 'flu-like symptoms.

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Flu Vaccine Uptake '25 ≥ 65 yrs 61.5% HCWs 30.7% Pregnant 29.7% At risk u65 28.9% NHS England Flu Vaccination Data
November 13, 2025 at 3:41 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
🇺🇸 The CDC has not posted surveillance data since 26th September, and it is unknown when / if US national surveillance will resume.

🇨🇦 Canada is issuing warnings:

"This is not the time to be flying blind into the respiratory virus season," Danuta Skowronski, MD.

2/
With an absent CDC and mismatched 'subclade K' flu strain, experts face upcoming season with uncertainty Stephanie Soucheray, MA, November 12, 2025 Topics: Influenza Vaccines, Influenza, General
November 13, 2025 at 3:41 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
🇬🇧🇺🇸 The UK and US are failing to manage 'flu risks.

🇯🇵 Japan has declared a 'flu epidemic.
People asked to:

😷Mask when appropriate
🧼Wash hands
👨‍👩‍👧‍👧Avoid crowded places
🏫Some schools have even closed temporarily

1/
Image of website, persona coughing and masking. NHK WORLD JAPAN Live & Catch Up News Top Japan Features Weather Earthquake Video NHK Tokyo issues first influenza warning for November since 2009
November 13, 2025 at 3:41 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
Worryingly low 'flu vaccine uptake.
Latest NHS England data:

🙋🏾‍♂️28.9% Clinically Vulnerable <65s
🤰29.7% pregnant
🥼HCWs 30.9%
🧓65+ 61.5%

If we can’t reach our 'flu targets in a concerning epidemic, what hope for the private Covid protection model?

- Vulnerable lives at risk!
Bar graph showing data in the attached post. Titled "Flu Vaccine Uptake '25". Gradient of pink to blue background. Clinically Vulnerable Families logo
November 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
On #WorldVentil8Day we are reminding everyone:

💨 Clean indoor air saves lives! 💨

Flu risks are high this year and ventilation, filtration, high-grade masks, and CO₂ levels still matter.

We are proud to be a founding supporter of
#WorldVentil8Day
Square World Ventil8 Day poster on a blue–teal–magenta gradient. Left: open window with sweeping arrows; below, a CO₂ monitor shows “800 ppm.” Right: stylized family silhouettes, an adult wearing a mask, next to a HEPA filter sending a bright clean-air arrow across the scene. Headline text reads “WORLD VENTIL8 DAY — 8 NOVEMBER” and “CLEAN AIR IS A RIGHT. PROTECT CLINICALLY VULNERABLE FAMILIES.” CLINICALLY VULNERABLE FAMILIES logo and World Ventilation Day logo
November 8, 2025 at 3:30 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
Yes, but it will have been prescribed for you following a medical consultation.

It is not available over the counter. It is prescription only.
November 8, 2025 at 12:26 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
If you are unsure whether you qualify for a 'flu vaccine, please read the Green Book for Influenza:

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/683831...

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Clinical risk category Immunosuppression (see contraindications and precautions section on live attenuated influenza vaccine) Examples (this list is not exhaustive and decisions should be based on clinical judgement) Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including patients undergoing chemotherapy leading to immunosuppression, patients undergoing radical radiotherapy, solid organ transplant recipients, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients, people living with HIV (at all stages), multiple myeloma or genetic disorders affecting the immune system (for example IRAK-4, NEMO, complement disorder, SCID). Individuals who are receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy including, but not limited to, anti-TNF- alemtuzumab, ofatumumab, rituximab, patients receiving protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors, and individuals treated with steroid sparing agents such as cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil. Individuals treated with or likely to be treated with systemic steroids for more than a month at a dose equivalent to prednisolone at 20mg or more per day (any age), or for children under 20kg, a dose of 1mg or more per kg per day. Anyone with a history of haematological malignancy, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma and those with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis who may require long term immunosuppressive treatments. Some immunocompromised patients may have a suboptimal immunological response to the vaccine. Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen This also includes conditions such as homozygous sickle cell disease, hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia major and coeliac disease that may lead to splenic dysfunction. Morbid obesity (class III obesity)* Adults with a Body Mass Index ≥40 kg/m². Other risk groups Pregnant women Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy (first, second or third trimesters). See precautions section on live attenuated influenza vaccine. Household… Table 19.4 Clinical risk groups and other risk groups who should be offered influenza vaccination. Clinical risk category Examples (this list is not exhaustive and decisions should be based on clinical judgement) Chronic respiratory disease Asthma that requires continuous or repeated use of inhaled or systemic steroids or with previous exacerbations requiring hospital admission. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and emphysema; bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). In addition to those with chronic respiratory disease, children who have previously been admitted to hospital for lower respiratory tract disease. See precautions section on LAIV. Chronic heart disease and vascular disease Congenital heart disease, hypertension with cardiac complications, chronic heart failure, individuals requiring regular medication and/or follow-up for ischaemic heart disease. This includes individuals with atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease or a history of venous thromboembolism. Chronic kidney disease Chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5, chronic kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, kidney transplantation. Chronic liver disease Cirrhosis, biliary atresia, chronic hepatitis. Chronic neurological disease (included in the DES directions for Wales) Stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Conditions in which respiratory function may be compromised due to neurological or neuromuscular disease (for example polio syndrome sufferers). Clinicians should offer immunisation, based on individual assessment, to clinically vulnerable individuals including those with cerebral palsy, severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), Down's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease and related or similar conditions; or hereditary and degenerative disease of the nervous system or muscles; or severe neur…
November 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
UKHSA is suggesting infection control:

Ventilation, grouping of patients, and hand hygiene have been recommended.

Healthcare workers with symptoms should mask.

... but universal masking?!?!

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Appropriate IPC measures remain a cornerstone of mitigating the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses. Based on local risk assessment, health and care settings should consider implementing appropriate interventions such as ensuring ventilation is optimised, and applying appropriate isolation and cohorting of suspected or confirmed influenza cases. Health care workers with mild upper respiratory tract infections should consider using a face mask in clinical settings, and mask use may also be appropriate for patients and staff in 1 areas where undifferentiated respiratory infections are being managed. Hand hygiene and adherence to standard IPC precautions remain essential. Clinical diagnostic laboratories are asked to ensure subtyping (for H1/H3) is attempted on all severe influenza A cases (ITU/HDU/fatal) either locally or in a UKHSA laboratory, and to arrange for a proportion of influenza A positive material to be subtyped, either locally with reporting to SGSS or via referral to a UKHSA Clinical Network or Collaborating NHS Laboratory. Unsubtypeable influenza A samples should be forwarded to the UKHSA Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU). More detailed information is available in the attached briefing note. Local health systems, including Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), should ensure plans are in place to optimise vaccination coverage and ensure timely access to antivirals in community and care home settings. Shane Ae Dr Shona Arora, Chief Medical Advisor UK Health Security Agency Meghana Pandit Professor Meghana Pandit, National Medical Director, NHS England Dr Claire Fuller, National Medical Director, NHS England Wan Dr Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England
November 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
If you get flu-like symptoms:
Antiviral treatment shouldn’t wait for a lab result.

High-risk patients should be treated promptly because antivirals work best early (ideally within 48hrs).

Call your GP or NHS 111.

5/
As per NICE TA158, following relevant exposure, antiviral prophylaxis should be offered to eligible people in at-risk groups irrespective of vaccination status in light of the evidence outlined above of a drifted strain. At risk groups include those age 65 years and over, under 6 months of age, pregnant women and anyone in a clinical risk group (see Green Book influenza chapter). Infection prevention and control advice Guidance on measures to prevent and control respiratory virus infections should be followed including appropriate ventilation, hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment in health care settings. Advice on testing for influenza Clinicians should have a low index of suspicion for testing for influenza in patients presenting to healthcare with acute respiratory infection symptoms. Testing should not delay initiation of antiviral treatment in suspected cases. If rapid RT-PCR or validated POCTs for respiratory viruses are unavailable, prompt antiviral initiation prior to virological testing is recommended. Early initiation of therapy is associated with clinical benefit.
November 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
If you are eligible for the NHS 'flu vaccine because you are in a higher-risk group (due to age or health conditions), this year it also means you are eligible for antivirals either:

🤒 If you have 'flu symptoms

or

🌬 If you have been exposed to someone with 'flu

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The image shows a box of Tamiflu 75 mg hard capsules. Active ingredient: The active ingredient is oseltamivir.
November 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
If you have been invited for a vaccine, or live with a Clinically Vulnerable person (but don't qualify), please consider getting a vaccine - they can be as cheap as £9.95.

Everyone benefits from 'flu vaccines, and children (up to 16) are offered them for free in school.

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Image of a banner outside a shop. A pharmacist is on the picture. She is has black straight hair, brown eyes, a big smile and is wearing a cream suit jacket with a staff badge. Superdrug *REMINDER!! IT'S FLU VACCINATION SEASON Flu Jab Service provided by our healthcare professionals Noyne Pharmacist MEMBER PRICE £9.95 NORMAL PRICE £19.95 MEMBERS SAVE MORE Service available here Help protect yourself against several strains of the flu this season with one simple visit in-store. 99
November 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
This year's strains aren't looking good:

The infections have started earlier.
A(H3N2) strains are dominant - and linked to worse outcomes.
A shifted strain (slightly different to vaccines) is also doing the rounds.

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Summary: Influenza is now circulating in the community with earlier than usual onset of activity in the 2025 to 2026 season, and with an A(H3N2) drifted strain (K, also known as J.2.4.1) predominating A(H3N2) predominance is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, particularly in the elderly, than when A(H1N1) predominates All eligible groups should be encouraged to get vaccinated with the 2025 to 2026 seasonal influenza vaccine as soon as possible Prompt antiviral post exposure prophylaxis and treatment for seasonal influenza should be offered to eligible groups Antivirals guidance for treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal influenza has been updated - health professionals should familiarise themselves with the key updates which simplify first line recommendations, strengthen advice to support empirical treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors and diagnostic testing, and advise on the use of baloxavir marboxil. Laboratory specimen referral guidance has been updated for 2025 to 2026; in-season influenza referral practices now apply Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures such as wearing of masks, ventilation, hand hygiene, and prompt clinical isolation/cohorting should be used in healthcare settings as appropriate.
November 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
🧵 This autumn the UKHSA is rightly worried, as 'flu is a real risk...

TLDR:
Clinically Vulnerable people ALL need 'flu vaccines + antivirals this year (if symptomatic or exposed) + confused infection control guidance.

If you are Clinically Vulnerable, please read on...

1/
Graph showing the early rise of flu in the UK.
November 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
⚠️ Spot the UK on the @who.int map of hospitalisations and ICU admissions due to Covid.

...Then, explain whether the UK's vaccination strategy is working?

#KeepCovidBoosters
Clinically Vulnerable people are at risk!
Ayse Acma Global Respiratory Threats, WHO Health impact data (detailed Number of hospitalizations due to SARS-CoV-2 in last 28 days World, 28 days to 19 October 2025 Sev WHO Regions Africa Americas Eastern Mediterranean Europe South-East Asia Western Pacific Number of ICU admissions due to SARS-CoV-2 in last 28 days World. 28 dieya to 19 October 2025 WHO Regions Africa Americas Eastern Mediterranean Europe South-East Asia Western Pacific World Health Organization
November 5, 2025 at 3:07 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
⚠️ Private Pfizer paediatric Covid vaccines are NOT available to children.

The ONLY option for UK parents who want vaccines for u12s - including Clinically Vulnerable children - is health tourism.

ALL children must be offered their first doses on the NHS.
We've spent £5k taking our children to Germany for Covid jabs after NHS rollback Private providers are not licensed to give the vaccine to children under 12, prompting some desperate parents to make the costly journey abroad Amos Waldman drove to Germany with his wife Alexandra and their two young children so they could get the Covid vaccine (Photo: Supplied) Alannah Francis Senior Reporter
November 2, 2025 at 11:37 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
📊 Post vaccination data is clear that immunosuppression and age are NOT the only risk factors for Covid-19.

ONLY those conditions marked green qualify for vaccines (unless on immunosuppressants / o75).

- Show your MP!!!!
Most risk at the top: Down's syndrome ✅️ Solid organ transplant CKD Stage 4 CKD Stage 5 ✅️ Immunosuppressant ✅️Bone marrow or stem cell transplant Dementia Sickle cell or ✅️ severe combined immunodeficiency Pulmonary hypertension ✅️ Blood or bone marrow cancer Parkinson's disease COPD Motor neurone disease or MS Cerebral palsy Liver cirrhosis Heart failure Chemotherapy Diabetes Type 1 Lung or oral cancer Peripheral vascular disease Cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis Anti-leukotriene or LABA Thrombosis or pulmonary embolus Epilepsy Stroke or TIA Atrial fibrillation CKD Stage 3 ✅️ Prednisolone ✅️ Radiotherapy Coronary heart disease Rheumatoid arthritis or SLE Prior fracture Diabetes Type 2 Congenital heart disease Severe mental illness Asthma Learning disability
October 31, 2025 at 9:28 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
"Ministers are under pressure to U-turn on the decision to limit access to the Covid vaccine over fears it is creating a two-tier healthcare system as demand for private jabs soars."

1/ @ashleydaltonmp.bsky.social @profstevegriffin.bsky.social
NHS under pressure to expand Covid jab rollout after hidden benefits revealed Research suggests that mRNA Covid jabs could improve cancer outcomes It is understood that some 13 million people who were eligible for a booster in autumn 2024 can no longer get the jab for free via the NHS (Photo: Kirsty O'Connor/PA) Alannah Francis Senior Reporter October 26, 2025 12:00 pm (Updated 12:34 pm)
October 27, 2025 at 11:29 AM
cvcev.bsky.social
What word do you think Boris was stopping himself from saying here? 💔
October 25, 2025 at 1:54 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
"In conclusion, there are no easy answers to the issues identified in this module... but if you focus on SAFETY, SUPPORT, and STATUS, that would go a long way to protecting Clinically Vulnerable families, now, and in the future."

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October 23, 2025 at 10:44 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
Prof. Catherine Davies, Early Years expert said:

"...CEV children, whether themselves or members of their family. Those children will have experienced much longer isolation, higher anxiety, a lack of specific guidance. So yes, I would really welcome... more data tracking, more advocacy...."

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October 23, 2025 at 10:44 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
🛡️STATUS

"Clinically Vulnerable people were and continue to be affected in the education system they must have status as a distinct group so that they are included..."

"Recognition should include making Clinical Vulnerability a protected characteristic in the Equality Act."

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October 23, 2025 at 10:44 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
Prof. Gillean McCluskey, the Inquiry’s education expert, said:

"It felt as though England, in this particular point, was emphasising a strict and punitive approach whereas the other three [nations] weren't. They were talking about the need for understanding, support, flexibility."

10/
October 23, 2025 at 10:44 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
@larawong.bsky.social said "Flexibility could mean a number of... things, it might mean learning remotely, but it might mean hybrid-learning. And by hybrid-learning I mean learning in class... but maybe in an outdoor classroom. They have things like forest schools for younger children."

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October 23, 2025 at 10:44 PM
cvcev.bsky.social
👩‍🏫SUPPORT

"There has been too much talk about 'fear' and 'anxiety' as if worrying that Covid might kill you or your vulnerable relative is... a mental health problem rather than unaddressed risk to physical health."

8/
October 23, 2025 at 10:44 PM