'Worry Clinics' open across Norfolk to address Covid vaccine concerns
Dedicated teams are on hand across the county to provide support and answer questions in a quiet place
Those who are thinking about getting vaccinated against Covid, but still have reservations, are able to talk over their worries to dedicated teams across Norfolk.
Now 'Worry Clinics' are up and running in Kings Lynn, Thetford, Yarmouth and Norwich over the next two months, thanks to our Clinical Commissioning Group.
Cath Byford is our Chief Nurse and told us what those who come along can expect and why this has all been set up:
"There will be higher numbers of staff than normal, lots of of space and we'll give people lots of time to ask questions and even psych themselves up to have the vaccine. Whatever people need, we can give it to them. Even if they come along ask questions and for our help and decide they don't want to have the vaccine after all, that's completely fine.
The numbers of people that get vaccinated through this may not be in the tens of thousands, but every person and vaccination matters. So, even if this offer has a low volume of impact but makes a difference to those who need this service, for me that is as important".
She also explained why they are also offering travel to and from the sites:
"Quite rightly they may not want to drive, because they may be concerned how they are going to feel afterwards. So that's where having a 'Jab Cab' as a free way to and from the vaccine centre may make a difference to people. Knowing they can get to the centre supported with a free taxi and get home not having to worry about the journey".
She concluded by saying that she hopes this can help ensure the facts get out there:
"There are people that have lots of questions and if I'm honest I'd rather they go and ask at the worry clinic than looking on social media and websites, which many contain mis-information. I want people to make informed decisions rather than adversely influenced ones which could have a terrible impact on their health or people around them".
The Worry Clinic teams will be offering the Pfizer vaccine and a free 'Jab Cab' journey to anyone living in Norfolk and Waveney until March 31st.
To find out the exact location and opening times of Norfolk's 'Worry Clinics', visit the Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Groups website.