Healthy Dudley

Amazing news!

Amazing news! Cervical cancer deaths in younger women have plummeted in England following the rollout of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, according to new research, published today in The Lancet.

Between 2020 and 2024, there were no deaths from cervical cancer in women aged 20-24 in England for the first time. HPV vaccine coverage in this group was close to 90%, and the vaccine was offered at age 12-13.

Our research helped prove the link between HPV and cervical cancer, and led to the development of the HPV vaccine. The vaccination programme in England has been shown to reduce cervical cancer incidence rates by up to 90%. It’s also important that women consider taking up cervical screening when invited, even if they've had the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine and cervical screening combined is the best way to prevent cervical cancer.

Until now, it’s not been possible to show directly that HPV vaccination reduces cervical cancer deaths. With vaccinated generations now reaching adulthood, this study provides the strongest national evidence to date that the vaccine is saving lives.

Opportunity for students to get protected against meningitis

Know someone with a child in Year 13? Or heading off to uni later this year? Tag them! 🧡
They might have missed the news that a free MenB vaccine programme will be available at a number of community pharmacies, later this July. Thousands of young people are eligible, so don’t let them miss out. Just 2 doses of the MenB vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like meningitis.

This week is Loneliness Awareness Week

Anyone can feel lonely at times, and support is always available.
If you’d like to get out, meet others, or try something new, there are lots of opportunities nearby.

Visit the Dudley Community Information Directory to discover activities, groups, and events happening in your local area.
👉 Link in the comments below

Self-feeding pillows can be deadly. That’s because the baby can’t push the bottle away, so can choke or suffer aspiration pneumonia.

Your baby needs you with them while they are feeding, so you can react if they start gagging or choking.

An urgent safety alert was issued for baby self-feeding pillows in 2022. But you can still buy them online.

Please avoid using anything that encourages you to leave your baby alone to feed with a propped-up bottle. And warn family and friends too.

To learn more about these and other dangerous baby products visit: https://capt.org.uk/10-baby-products-that-could-pose-serious-safety-risk/

And for tips on feeding multiples safely visit Twins Trust: https://twinstrust.org/advice-and-support/first-year/feeding-three-babies-at-once/ Alternatively, your health visitor or midwife may be able to offer advice on different feeding strategies.

If you fall in or get into trouble in water, stay calm. Float on your back and call for help. It’s – sharing water safety advice like this could make a difference to you, or someone you love.

If you get into trouble in the water, remember:

Float to Live. 💙

If you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back, and call for help. If someone else is in trouble, throw them something that floats.

How to float:
• Tilt your head back to keep your airway clear
• Keep your ears submerged in the water
• Relax and focus on your breathing
• Spread your arms and legs to stay balanced
• Gently move your hands and feet if needed

Learn more about floating in our Water Safety Code: www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-code

RNLI has great Float to Live advice on their pages.

It's Cervical Screening Awareness Week 🩵

Show your cervix you care by booking a screening appointment at your GP surgery when you are invited.

Find out more 👉 blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/health-advice/cancer/cervical-cancer-screening

We're launching a one-off MenB vaccination programme ahead of the next academic year to protect young people from a life-threatening disease.

This will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks. Two doses are needed for full protection.

The vaccination will be available to:

➡️ people who complete year 13 of education in summer 2026

➡️ people under 25 starting university or moving into some further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026

More: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/12/who-is-eligible-for-the-new-one-off-menb-vaccine-programme/

The June health and wellbeing bulletin is out

✨The latest Dudley Health & Wellbeing e bulletin is out now ✨

This month’s update includes:
👉Doctors’ strike
👉Children’s vaccination clinic
👉Love your lungs – community event
👉Free football sessions for men’s mental health
…and lots more to help you stay healthy and connected.

Read this month’s edition of the health and wellbeing bulletin https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDUDLEYMBC/bulletins/41b9974

📩 Want this update straight to your inbox every month?
Sign up at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDUDLEYMBC/signup/26294

Advice for the resident doctors' strike, which starts on Monday.

Strike action starts from 7am Monday 15 June and runs until 7am Friday 19 June. Some NHS services will be affected.

You will be contacted if your appointment needs to be changed.

Please continue to come forward for the care you need