Plans to offer booster jabs to all in Norfolk by end of the year 'optimistic'
Healthwatch Norfolk says access and availability of vaccine centres are the biggest hurdles the county faces
The Government's plans to offer a Covid booster jab to everyone eligible by the end of the year is optimistic.
That's according to Healthwatch Norfolk, who represent patients across the county.
From today all over 18s, who had their second dose at least three months ago, can start booking their booster appointments on the NHS website.
Norfolk and Waveney CCG says boosters are currently being provided through pre-booked appointments only in the area at the moment.
Healthwatch Norfolk's Chief Executive Alex Stewart says opening more vaccination centres, making full use of the booking system and ensuring Norfolk's house-bound residents are able to get their boosters more easily, are three key ways in which this target could ultimately be achieved.
Nevertheless he admits that it still remains optimistic: "It won't be through any lack of trying, but I kind of feel that if reality sets in, its quite a tall order. Partly because if people don't turn up or make a booking and then go Christmas shopping, there's very little that those who are managing these vaccination centres can do about it.
"Norfolk is doing very well in terms of rolling out the boosters, but there's always room for improvement. One of the problems we've had is getting to those who are house bound, who have some problems with accessing appointments. But that's being sorted out as we speak and hopefully that will all be dealt with by the third week in December".
He went on to say that opening up more vaccination centres would be a sensible move: "I think it's one of the things that our clinical commissioning group are looking at. I hear there's talk of using Carrow Road again. But then again, the booking system needs to be used as well".
Mr Stewart concluded by urging people to continue treating local vaccinators with respect: "They've expected queues and handled them very well. My message to the public would be, continue to treat these people well, they have been working all the hours that god sends, they are tired, plus they're putting themselves in a very vulnerable position to help people".
Howard Martin, Director of Population Health Management and Health Inequalities at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “Our vaccination teams, staff and volunteers are going above and beyond to support the vaccination effort. This is a huge and complex challenge but our incredible NHS staff and volunteers – as they have throughout the pandemic – are doing all they can to ensure we get lifesaving boosters into the arms of local people as soon as possible.
“All health and care organisations are redeploying staff and resources to help meet this challenge, with an army of marshalls, administrators and vaccinators being recruited to support the next and most ambitious phase of this programme.
“We continue to urge everyone to come forward and book their booster as soon as they are eligible. Vaccination is clinically-proven to reduce your risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 and your risk of catching or spreading coronavirus. So, when it’s your turn to be invited to book your vaccine or booster, please do so.”