Plea to 16 and 17 year olds in Norfolk and Waveney to get covid jab
They're being encouraged to take them up before the new school year
Young people aged 16 and 17 are being urged to come forward for their COVID-19 vaccine before schools and colleges return in September.
Getting the vaccine is the single most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against COVID-19. The vaccine has been tested by scientists and researchers worldwide and every vaccine has gone through thorough checks.
Latest data released by NHS England today shows that Norfolk and Waveney continues to perform strongly in the national vaccination programme roll out. So far, 93% of people aged 18 and above have had one vaccine, while 82% have had both doses. This compares with national figures of 88% and 76% respectively.
Just over 7,000 people aged under 18 in Norfolk and Waveney have now been vaccinated.
Cath Byford, Chief Nurse with NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:
“We would urge anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated to come forward to get the very best protection before the autumn and winter, and younger people to have the single dose recommended by experts before schools, colleagues and universities reopen in September.
“Even if you’ve had the virus, it’s important to get the vaccine to protect you and your loved ones.
"Our friendly staff are experienced at supporting people who are nervous about being vaccinated and you can ask any questions you might have on the day. Do let staff know if you’re worried when you arrive at a vaccination centre, and if you’d like to bring someone along to support you, that’s absolutely fine.
“Young people can just turn up to one of the walk-in sessions across the area now or wait to be contacted by the NHS to book an appointment.”
To find the latest walk-in vaccine clinics taking place across Norfolk and Waveney, click here.
Vaccination teams in Norfolk and Waveney are making plans to vaccinate some 12-15 year olds who are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. For more information about eligibility click here.
From Monday (23 August 23), this group will begin to receive letters inviting them to attend for vaccination. These letters will come from the local NHS and will include details about where to get the vaccine. Please don’t contact your GP practice directly; your local NHS will be in touch with you.
It comes as Norfolk and Waveney’s Vaccination bus reaches 2021 people in an extraordinary year.
The milestone was reached this week at Norwich City Football Club in a year people will remember most for the remarkable roll out of COVID-19 vaccinations.
The vaccination bus, which is provided by NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and operated with staff from Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C), provided its 2021st vaccine at a pop-up clinic held at Norwich City Football Club on Monday.
It was the first time the vaccination bus had visited the football ground and it proved to be very popular. Vaccinations were provided to academy players, staff at the ground, local residents and the public, with more than one hundred people vaccinated during the course of the day.
Some of the feedback received included:
“Thank you to the good folks at NCH&C for looking after me today and administering my second jab. Well worth getting down to Carrow Road if you are yet to get your first dose or are eligible for your second. They are doing a great job.” Another bus user added: “Double jabbed at Carrow Road! Brilliant walk-in service. The perfect way to cap a top weekend back in The Fine City.”
The NCH&C roving vaccination team have been hopping on the bus since April, visiting specially chosen sites across Norfolk and Waveney and vaccinating people in areas where vaccine uptake has been lower than average or where virus transmission rates remain high.
Community venues, places of worship, large food production facilities and schools are just some of the places that have benefitted from convenient, on-site access to vaccinations. The benefits of the vaccination bus means access to a vaccine is easier and more convenient, but also clinicians will take time to answer questions and address any concerns or hesitancy on board the bus.
Carolyn Fowler, Director of Nursing and Quality at Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, said:
“It was a fantastic day to reach such a poignant milestone in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations. Whilst the weather didn’t feel much like summer, the positivity of those coming for their vaccinations shone through.
“I am incredibly proud of the staff from NCH&C who have been providing this service in locations across Norfolk since April. They always give every clinic 110% and never tire in their efforts to make everyone who visits the bus extremely welcome and relaxed.”
Tracy Williams, a Queen’s Nurse and NHS Norfolk and Waveney CCG Clinical Governing Body member, added:
“The response to the bus has been fantastic. We can park ourselves at the heart of communities and provide a relaxed, informal vaccination service for those who may not want to go to a hospital or large vaccination centre.
“The conversations we are having with people are fascinating. There is so much misinformation about the vaccines and having time to talk to people in an environment they are familiar with means we can answer questions and alleviate their fears.
“The vaccine bus isn’t about vaccinating huge numbers quickly, it’s about reaching people who may not have had a vaccine if we hadn’t parked up and engaged with them within their own community. We know that we need to tailor the vaccination programme service to specific patient groups so everyone has the opportunity to get the jab – this is the opposite of one size fits all!”