Push for more to take up vaccination at Yorkshire Showground as numbers drop off
Doctors and other healthcare professionals believe fears and phobias are holding some people back from getting vaccinated
Last updated 17th Jan 2022
People across Harrogate district are being urged to take up the covid booster vaccine as some sites see hardly any people coming in for appointments.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals believe fears, phobias and misinformation are holding some people back from getting vaccinated against coronavirus
They say many of those who have not yet stepped forward have genuine anxieties, such as a phobia of needles, a fear of fainting, or a mistrust of vaccines in general.
Clinicians say there is also evidence that some pregnant women have been reluctant to be vaccinated, even though they are considered to be among those at higher risk of serious illness caused by coronavirus.
According to the latest Government data, 11.1 per cent of people in North Yorkshire eligible for a COVID vaccine have not yet come forward for a first dose, with 16.4 per cent eligible for a second dose.
In total, more than 1.8 million vaccine doses have now been administered in North Yorkshire and York by NHS and pharmacy teams.
Dr Cath Dixon, Executive Chair and Clinical Lead of the Yorkshire Health Network a Federation of the 17 GP Practices in the Harrogate district, said:
"I think that a lot of people think 'Oh I had the jab and I still got covid' actually what we don't know is how much worse they would have been if they hadn't have had the vaccination. What we are seeing is that the death rate is nowhere near as high as it was with the number of infections that we have at the moment.
"I think there's still people that realise they can walk in and just have their vaccine. One of the groups we've learnt a lot about in the last six months are pregnant ladies. Many have avoided the vaccination while they've been pregnant and we know now we really must encourage ladies to come.
"There is now extensive evidence to show that the vaccines are safe and that the risks posed by COVID-19 to mum and baby are far greater. If any mums-to-be are having doubts about vaccination, I would urge them to talk to their midwife or doctor.
"The vaccination is being safely used in millions of people now and it has made that difference."
Vaccine sites across North Yorkshire have separate areas with partitions for those with a phobia of needles as well as comfortable chairs to put people at ease before they have their covid jab.
Marshals have been trained to spot people who appear anxious and have been offering additional assistance.
For patients with a fear of fainting – or those who have been prone to fainting in the past – many of the larger venues are equipped with a couch for patients to lie on after they've had their jab.
Those people who do not believe they should be vaccinated are also being encouraged to come to a clinic and talk to a clinician to discuss their concerns.
NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Accountable Officer, Amanda Bloor, says COVID vaccination is "an evergreen offer" and is urging those with misgivings to come forward and talk to a health professional.
"If you're one of those people who were initially hesitant about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 but are having second thoughts, it's not too late to come forward," she said. "First and second doses are available to everyone aged 12 and over and I would encourage those who have not yet received a vaccination to take up the offer to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.
"There are lots of walk-in clinics available in North Yorkshire and York, together with bookable appointments available through the NHS National Booking Service."