Week on week we are seeing the impact our combined efforts are having. Importantly, we are seeing significantly fewer COVID admissions and deaths in our hospitals. This gives us renewed momentum for the month ahead, as we target our activity on three key priorities:
Our operational teams are still very much focused on the here and now, working hard behind the scenes to make the most of every vaccine we have. Every day they resolve issues and co-ordinate vaccines to where they are needed most.
Talking of making the most of every vaccine, we’re seeing a small increase in the number of people not showing up for their vaccine. Every appointment missed increases the risk of us wasting a precious vaccine. We’re reminding everyone that if they can’t attend an appointment they should cancel it as soon as possible through their GP practice or the National Booking portal (depending on where they booked). That way we can offer the vaccine to someone else.
Thanks to the efforts of all partners, we’re seeing a slow but steady increase in vaccine uptake across our ethnic minority communities. Through this joint working we are able to support people who may be hesitant, answering questions and providing information so they can make informed choices, and – in some cases – taking the vaccine to them.
Over the past week we have seen how effective a community-led approach can be, with a successful pop up clinic in Hanley and the launch of our new Targeted Vaccination Team in partnership with the Fire Service. You can read more below.
Today, we have received new guidance through from the Joint Committee of Vaccinations and Immunisations, recommending that under 40s should be offered the Pfizer/Moderna vaccines where available. With a vaccination programme of this size, a change in direction is not unexpected and within the NHS we are used to adapting to new guidance. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
May looks set to be another busy month. We hope that these bulletins are helpful and want to thank you for your ongoing support to share these messages across your networks.
Neil Carr Dr Paddy Hannigan
Senior Responsible Officer Clinical Lead- Rapidly rolling out second doses within 12 weeks. These supplies are guaranteed and our sites are motoring ahead
- Delivering first doses to the wider population. These are our largest groups, which present us with different challenges. We are expecting that vaccine supplies for first doses will remain lower during this month, so we need to continue to maximise what we get
- Targeting vulnerable communities, ensuring no one gets left behind.
Our operational teams are still very much focused on the here and now, working hard behind the scenes to make the most of every vaccine we have. Every day they resolve issues and co-ordinate vaccines to where they are needed most.
Talking of making the most of every vaccine, we’re seeing a small increase in the number of people not showing up for their vaccine. Every appointment missed increases the risk of us wasting a precious vaccine. We’re reminding everyone that if they can’t attend an appointment they should cancel it as soon as possible through their GP practice or the National Booking portal (depending on where they booked). That way we can offer the vaccine to someone else.
Thanks to the efforts of all partners, we’re seeing a slow but steady increase in vaccine uptake across our ethnic minority communities. Through this joint working we are able to support people who may be hesitant, answering questions and providing information so they can make informed choices, and – in some cases – taking the vaccine to them.
Over the past week we have seen how effective a community-led approach can be, with a successful pop up clinic in Hanley and the launch of our new Targeted Vaccination Team in partnership with the Fire Service. You can read more below.
Today, we have received new guidance through from the Joint Committee of Vaccinations and Immunisations, recommending that under 40s should be offered the Pfizer/Moderna vaccines where available. With a vaccination programme of this size, a change in direction is not unexpected and within the NHS we are used to adapting to new guidance. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
May looks set to be another busy month. We hope that these bulletins are helpful and want to thank you for your ongoing support to share these messages across your networks.
Neil Carr Dr Paddy Hannigan
COVID-19 Vaccination Programme COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
