WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin writes for the Observer….
Did you know that three quarters of all the patients in intensive care with Covid have not been vaccinated? The most important thing that you can do to ensure this Christmas is better than last year’s is to get yourself vaccinated when invited and boosted at the right time. It’s more important than getting in the Christmas shopping. Vaccinations, whether it is Covid protection or a flu jab, are vital measures as we go about our daily lives.
All the evidence shows that UK scientists have done an amazing job identifying and sequencing new variants, and vaccines have benefited from this extraordinary innovation. We’re still finding out the detail about the fast-spreading Omicron variant, but we can be confident that the Government is following the best possible advice as it continues to hone the response to this virus.
As Christmas approaches, I’ll be doing my best to support local retailers and food producers again. Each year I try to get out and about flying the flag for the smaller businesses that keep our high streets vibrant. We have some amazing shops selling local produce and with online retailers blitzing us all with messages of discounts, I feel that we can all do our bit to make sure not all the money spent on Christmas goes to the global online retailers.
December has also brought a turn in the weather and with low temperatures arriving across the county, I also encourage you all to think about those who may be struggling to get out and about. I recently met with the Malvern Community Action team to talk about the important role played by community transport schemes but we can all do our bit by keeping an eye out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours. One of the most impressive elements of our response to the pandemic was how people pulled together to support each other and I hope that this generous spirit continues as we all count down to the festive break.
