Omicron in Essex: NHS chief nurse urges people to come forward and get booster jab
There will be a large vaccination drive in Chelmsford and many other towns over this weekend
Last updated 18th Dec 2021
As the Omicron variant continues to spread, the number of Covid-19 cases in Essex is up by nearly 21 percent this week. As new restrictions came into effect this week, the messaging from the UK Government was clear, get the booster jab. To that end, local NHS trusts have been working to meet the ambitious target of offering boosters to everyone who is eligible, by the end of the year.
Melissa Dowdeswell is the woman leading Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust's vaccination efforts as their Director of Nursing and Operations Director for Vaccination Centres.
She explains why it's important that people get their booster jab, despite suggestions that you could still be infected even with the protection of a third vaccine shot: "What the vaccination does is it reduces the risk of serious illness and it's significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization.
"Yes, you still may get Covid-19 and that's really unfortunate, but actually the severity of Covid-19 or even the possibility of going into critical care is significantly reduced."
This weekend, there will be a massive vaccination drive held at Chelmsford City Racecourse, which encourages people with appointments as well as people who walk in.
"I think one of the most important things about the vaccination program is that we vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, but also as safely as possible. So making sure that we're following the Hands-Face-Space guidance.
"The reason that we're doing the Racecourse is because it's a nice big venue. It's got plenty of space. It's got plenty of parking and it's an easy venue to get to" she says.
Vaccine clinics across the county, including in Basildon, Harlow, Colchester and Southend will offer not only booster Covid-19 shots but also the first and second regular doses for people who have not had them yet.
"Two doses doesn't give you the protection that you need, hence why you should get a booster. However, I would encourage everybody to be able to come forward and get their vaccine one and two if they're not quite ready for their booster.
" Its really important to get a vaccine, and it doesn't matter which stage you are in your vaccination. Just get the latest vaccination that you can.
Although walk-ins are allowed in most clinics, there have been reports of people without appointments being turned away as a result of long queues. Ms Dowdeswell recommends against it.
"If you book an appointment, you're guaranteed a vaccination. What we try and do is manage our walk-ins against the number of vaccines that we've got and and make sure that we manage those queues well.
"The key thing around walk-ins is please do come prepared to stand in a queue, prepared for the elements and be prepared to be turned away. What we will try to do, so we're not having people standing around, is we manage the queue very well so we wouldn't be expecting people to wait for hours, only to then be turned away.
"But that's why its so important to make sure that you booked your vaccine. Because if you book a vaccination appointment, you will definitely get your vaccination that day."
Over a million people have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in Essex, according to figures from the county council. Ms Dowdeswell says this wouldn't be possible without the effort of NHS staff and volunteers.
"I'd just like to say a huge thank you to all the individuals who are part of the program already, who are currently stepping forward to be part of this massive roll-out over the next few weeks and then obviously going forward.
"Also, a huge thank you to our volunteers because we couldn't do this without them", she adds.
For those worried about getting to their vaccination clinics, Essex Wellbeing Service are offering to organise a taxi to help reach there. More information on that and how to book a vaccine is available on the county council website.