Work continues to make sure no one in Norfolk and Waveney misses out on Covid-19 vaccine
Vaccination teams have been out and about trying to reach people.
The Norfolk and Waveney Covid-19 vaccination programme says it's continuing to work hard to ensure that no one in our area misses out the chance to get a vaccination.
It says roving vaccination teams have been out and about, and working closely with homeless charities and organisations across the county, to ensure individuals who don't have a home are offered and receive both doses of a jab.
GP practices have also been working to set up clinics 'on the go' to vaccinate people at hostels and other settings.
The vaccination team says more recently a teach at a Harleston drop-in clinic worked with Emmaus to provide first doses to formerly homeless individuals, also known as companions, that they work with.
Jo Andrews, who's the Logistics Manager at Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney said: "I can't thank local NHS teams enough for the help and support they provided to ensure our residents were able to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
"The drop-in clinics and range of options available are a great example of how health and care organisations are working together to ensure as many people come forward for their vaccination to help protect themselves and others.
"Making contact and agreeing for our vulnerable community to be vaccinated was really easy and I would encourage anyone or any organisation that support individuals who are currently eligible for a vaccination to make contact so more people that may find it more difficult to access vaccination clinics can be vaccinated."
Tracy Williams, Advanced Nurse Practitioner & Clinical Lead for Prevention & Addressing Inequalities, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "I am delighted that Jo made contact with us and arranged for Emmaus residents to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.
"We have now vaccinated more than 96% of people over the age of 50 across Norfolk and Waveney which is testament to the hard work and determination of vaccination teams across the county.
"But we don't want to stop there - every individual vaccinated means they and others will help to reduce the number of people becoming seriously ill and help us to try and get back to the things we like to do.
"Working with our homeless accommodation providers, such as Emmaus, is vital and really supports those they care for to take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination.
"So I encourage all organisations across Norfolk and Waveney that are supporting our homeless communities to make contact with us and to help individuals that often find it challenging to access health care services to receive their COVID-19 vaccination."
Bruce Luter, Assistant Director of Business Development and Strategy, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, said: "I am pleased our team at Harleston were able to vaccinate this important group of people.
"This is a great example of how local NHS vaccination teams are doing all they can to vaccinate eligible individuals, as part of our drive to beat the virus.
"Drop-in clinics are just one of the ways in which people can receive a vaccination, so if you haven't yet had your first dose, please do come forward."
Where can I get a vaccine?
A number of drop-in clinics are still operating across Norfolk and Waveney, with no appointment needed.
Drop-in clinics are for first doses only and for people in priority groups 1-9, which includes:
- Anyone aged over 50
- Individuals who are clinically extremely vulnerable
- Those who are over 16 who share a household with someone who has severe immunosuppression
- Health and social care staff
- Care home workers and residents
- Carers (paid and unpaid)
A form of evidence that are from one of these groups will be required, such as passport, driving license, or letter from the NHS.
If you are in one of the groups 1-9, but are under 30, you cannot attend the walk-in clinics.
This is due to the current type of vaccine available and changes to the national guidance.
Drop-in clinics are at:
- King's Lynn, The Inspire Centre at the QE Hospital - Tuesday 13th April, 9am to 2pm
- Downham Market Town Hall - Monday 12th April, Thursday 15th April, Sunday 18th April, 9am to 2pm
- Harleston, Old Paddock Road Surgery - Friday 16th April, 8.30am to 3pm
- Lowestoft, The Old Law Courts - Wednesday 14th April 8.30am to 3pm
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.