Winter brings increased risks of flu, COVID-19, and associated complications. People with a learning disability, autistic people, and people with severe mental illness (SMI) are more vulnerable to poor health outcomes and have lower uptake of vaccinations compared to the general population.
To support equitable access across South Yorkshire, please find here the South Yorkshire ICB Winter Vaccination Communications Toolkit for People with a Learning Disability, Autistic People, and People with Severe Mental Illness (SMI).
The toolkit provides a clear framework for communicating the importance of winter vaccinations and includes:
- Key messages
- Common barriers and enablers
- Recommended communication approaches
- Timelines and resources
We are asking all partners and stakeholders to:
- To watch the webinar from 2 September 2025 facilitated by NHSE Public Health Programmes Team (Screening & Immunisation Team): https://drive.google.com/file/d/17TaoX9gjTKYElg5u7rdFWlwpBZgoMc2d/view?usp=sharing
- Promote winter vaccination messages using accessible materials and tailored communications. Flu vaccination: easy-read flu vaccination resources - GOV.UK Discover the health resource library
- Encourage eligible individuals to attend vaccination appointments, making sure reasonable adjustments are in place.
- Distribute resources locally (leaflets, Easy Read guides, videos, social stories, posters) through their networks and services.
- Support conversations about vaccine safety and benefits, addressing myths and hesitancy.
- Embed vaccination prompts (Making every contact count) into routine care and support planning (e.g., annual health checks, care reviews, community events).
- Feedback insights on barriers and enablers to uptake so that communications and delivery can be improved.
Thank you for your support in promoting vaccination uptake and reducing health inequalities this winter.
The Learning Disability and Autism Portfolio Team lead on the delivery of the National Learning Disability and Autism Programmes on behalf of South Yorkshire Integrated Care Partnership.
They work closely with all health, social care and community, voluntary and social enterprise sector organisations to co-produce and co-deliver a number of programmes, projects and initiatives with the purpose of meeting the long-term plan deliverables and the core national objectives from the Learning Disability and Autism programme which are:
-
Reducing the reliance on inpatient settings for people with a learning disability and autistic people
- Improving the quality of life including reducing health inequalities and mortality rates
- Improving the quality of care with a focus on building a sustainable community infrastructure
Our Mission
We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and reducing health inequalities for individuals with a learning disability and autistic people. By delivering impactful projects, we strive to raise awareness, build skills, and deliver transformational change across health, education and social care. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to education, employment, housing, relationships, and healthcare when needed. We are passionate about empowering people to lead longer, happier, and more meaningful lives with greater opportunities for growth and fulfilment.
Click the links below to find out more about the work of the Learning Disabilities and Autism Portfolio Team.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Please click here to read the Learning Disability and Autism Programme Annual Report 2024-2025
