Dr Catia Nicodemo

Climate change is increasing workplace accidents, injuries, and deaths in the UK as rising temperatures impair concentration, reaction time, and physical capacity. Heatwaves amplify risks, especially for outdoor workers, hot indoor workplaces, and those using protective equipment. Despite growing evidence, protections rely largely on employer discretion. Stronger, mandatory heat action plans are needed to reduce health risks, prevent inequality, and adapt workplaces to a warming climate.

Research increasingly shows vaccines may help prevent chronic diseases, not just infections. Studies link shingles vaccination to a lower dementia risk and HPV vaccination to cancer prevention. By reducing viral reactivation and inflammation, vaccines can protect long-term brain and overall health, highlighting their role as investments in lifelong disease prevention.

The UK budget signals a shift toward a high-tax, high-investment model that places the NHS at its core. By broadening the tax base, funding prevention, strengthening community care, and tackling child poverty and diet-related disease, it aims to create sustainable, long-term health system stability rather than short-term crisis management.