Call for last 7% to get vaccinated in Norfolk & Waveney
It's hoped they'll get protected before winter
The health and care system has sent direct text messages to around 40,000 unvaccinated people across Norfolk and Waveney, advising them to get protected from Covid before the onset of winter.
The latest published data shows that 93% of people in Norfolk and Waveney have had one vaccine dose and 86% have now had two doses. This sees Norfolk and Waveney remaining in the top ten performing health and care systems in England (42 total) for the number of vaccinations given.
Howard Martin, Director for Population Health Management and Health Inequalities at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said:
“Despite the high uptake of vaccinations and a recent spell of warm weather, winter is just around the corner. Colder conditions encourage the spread of viruses including flu and respiratory infections. We saw how Covid spread through our communities last winter and the resulting lockdown over the Christmas period. We are determined to do all we can to protect as many people as possible from serious illness and hospitalisation.”
Whilst only 7% of local people are unvaccinated, local health and care organisations are still striving to increase the level of protection across communities through direct text messaging, providing a link to details of all local drop-in clinics. They are also urging those who work in the care home sector to get their first vaccine before the 16 September, eight weeks before the national deadline for mandatory double vaccination of care home staff (11 November).
“According to our patient records, there are around 40,000 people who are yet to get a vaccine. Some of these people will never choose to have a vaccine and we accept their choice. But we know there will be many others who really do want a vaccine but - for whatever reason - just can’t face it or find the right moment. We want these people to know that we are listening, and that there is tailored support available to them.”
The targeted text messages sent today let people know that anyone who is worried, anxious or has questions about the vaccine can seek expert advice and information. Specialists based at all the vaccination sites across Norfolk and Waveney are on hand to discuss any individual issues and put in place any support needed to vaccinate people in a way that they are comfortable and able to cope with.
Added Howard:
“Now the vast majority of people have had a vaccine, our vaccination clinics now tend to be a bit quieter. This means our clinical staff have the time and space to talk through any concerns people may have. After many months of delivering the vaccination programme, they are experts in the facts about vaccines and the protection they offer and are skilled at helping people feel relaxed. I would urge anyone who has questions or concerns to turn up at one of our drop-in clinics for a conversation before deciding whether to have a vaccine. There is no pressure, just talking is fine - and if you’d like to bring someone along to support you, please do.”
Text invitations appear as an alert from the NHS and include a web link to the full list of local walk in vaccination clinics – no appointment necessary. If you receive an invitation, whether for your first or second dose, please do act on it as soon as possible to protect yourself and others.