A new campaign launched by Slough Council's public health team could help people protect themselves against Covid-19.

The council is picking up on advice from Public Health England and the NHS, advising everyone to take 10 micrograms of Vitamin D a day between October and early March, while there is less sunlight.

At risk groups, the elderly, people who do not go outside, people with dark skins and pregnant women are particularly advised to take the supplement.

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Cllr Natasa Pantelic, Slough cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "As lockdown measures keep people inside this winter much more than usual, this is more important than ever. Vitamin D can strengthen your immune system which is of particular importance during this pandemic.”

Vitamin D supplements are available free or at low cost through the Healthy Start scheme to support healthy pregnancies - ask your GP, midwife or health visitor or visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk

If you are clinically vulnerable to coronavirus then you can sign up for a free pack of vitamin D on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/get-vitamin-d-supplements/

You can also visit www.publichealthslough.co.uk/campaigns/vitamind for more information.