Two thirds of adults now had first covid jab in Norfolk & Waveney
We're being urged to get ours when called
66% of people aged over 16 in Norfolk and Waveney have now received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, newly released figures show.
The news comes as health leaders reassure patients that the risk of any serious side effects is incredibly rare and urge anyone eligible who has not yet received their first dose of vaccine to come forward to be vaccinated.
Dr Anoop Dhesi, Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:
"We know some people may be concerned by things they have seen in the news over the last few days related to very rare side effects. I would like to emphasise that the UK medicines regulator has said benefits of the AZ vaccine continue to outweigh any risks - the risk of mortality from Covid is much greater than the risk of mortality from these side effects."
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises that people over 50 years of age or with underlying medical conditions should still receive any of the available COVID-19 vaccines and have their second dose with the same vaccine as the first. Having the second dose is known to give higher and longer lasting protection against serious coronavirus-related illness.
Added Dr Dhesi:
"It is vital we keep the vaccination programme going at pace as society opens up, in order to help stave off rising infection rates. As a country and a county, we need a critical mass of people to have both doses of the vaccine in order to have the level of protection across society that will help us get offices, shops, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers open as planned."
The NHS vaccination programme continues to make strong progress in Norfolk and Waveney. According to data published today by NHS England and NHS Improvement 653,273 doses of vaccine have been given in Norfolk and Waveney. Some 564,212 people have received their first dose and 89,061 their second dose.
In the week to last Sunday, 44,268 doses of vaccine were given in Norfolk and Waveney, 8,995 were first doses and 35,273 were second doses. 50% of over 80s have had their second dose.
The figures show that 66% of people aged over 16 in Norfolk and Waveney have received their first dose, compared to 59% of adults in England. This puts us fourth out of the 42 health and care systems in England.
96% of over 50s in Norfolk and Waveney have now received their first dose of vaccine, and more opportunities are available to those that haven't yet had theirs.
A number of walk-in vaccination clinics are open across Norfolk and Waveney over the coming days and no appointment is necessary.
The walk-in clinics are for first doses only and for people in priority groups 1-9, which includes:
Anyone aged 50+
Individuals who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable
Health and social care staff
Care home workers and residents
Carers (paid and unpaid)
Please note that even if you are in priority groups 1-9, but under the age of 30, you cannot attend the walk-in clinics. This is due to the current type of vaccine available and changes to national guidance.
The walk-in clinics are at:
Attleborough, Connaught Hall, Station Road, NR17 2AS, Friday 9 April, 8:30am to 3pm, no appointment necessary
Norwich - Bowthorpe Health Centre, Wendene, Norwich NR5 9HA, Saturday 10 April, 9am to 6.30pm, no appointment necessary
King's Lynn Corn Exchange, Market Place, Kings Lynn PE30 1JW, Friday 9 April, 8:30am to 3pm, no appointment necessary
King's Lynn - The Inspire Centre at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, PE30 4ES, Tuesday 13 April 9am to 2pm, no appointment necessary
Downham Market Town Hall, Bridge Street, Downham Market, PE38 9DW, Sunday 11 April, Monday 12 April, Thursday 15 April and Sunday 18 April 9 am to 2 pm - no appointment necessary
Alternatively, people in cohorts 1-9 can continue to book their first vaccine appointments at large scale vaccination centres across the county via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by ringing 119 free of charge.
Paid and unpaid carers should book via the NCC website - a 24/7 telephone voicemail service 01603 257 256 is also available but is only intended for people who are unable to register online.
Whilst 66% of people aged over 16 in Norfolk and Waveney have already received the vaccine, it is vital that those who are eligible for a vaccine and have not already booked an appointment are reminded and encouraged to do so.
If patients have an appointment already booked over the coming weeks, it is important those appointments are kept and attended rather than a drop-in appointment being selected as a substitute.
Second doses
If you had your first vaccination at a GP led site or Hospital Hub, they will contact you when it is time for your second dose and we strongly encourage everyone who is due to have their second dose to attend their appointment.
If you have booked your vaccinations via the national booking system, you should already have your second dose appointment booked.