Agenda item

Attending for this Item was:

Scott Parker, Director of Partnerships and Health Inequalities, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board

Dr Ash Banerjee, Public Health Consultant, NHS England

Hayley Durnall, Public Health Consultant, Worcestershire County Council

Karen May, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Well being

By way of introduction, attention was drawn to key points from the Agenda Report, mainly that at the time of the meeting nearly 2 million vaccines had been delivered across Herefordshire and Worcestershire since December 2020 and performance at every level was in the upper quartile nationally.  The 2 Counties ranked highest nationally for vaccinations for those aged 17-18 years.  The success was attributed to solid partnership working.  In Worcestershire, 87.1% of residents aged 12+ had received their first dose.  Figures dropped slightly for second doses (83.9%) and 86.1% of the eligible cohort had received a booster dose.  Publicity campaigns remained a priority and residents continued to come forward for vaccination.

During the ensuing discussion, the following main points were raised:

·         The drop in uptake from the second dose could be attributed to ‘vaccine fatigue’ or lack of confidence in the effectiveness.  Some people had stated that they felt less threatened by COVID-19 after a single dose.  In relation to booster doses, it was believed that some people felt there was less urgency to have the booster when it was due

·         The HOSC was pleased to hear the positive statistics, however, was keen to learn how residents were being encouraged to come forward.  Examples were given, such as targeted sessions, quiet hours and different ways of working with communities to overcome concerns.  Worcestershire had been recognised nationally for its work on its targeted approach

·         It was known that there was a strong link between low uptake and deprivation.  In Worcestershire, there was a 12.5% gap between more and less affluent, compared with 19% regionally.  Although the County performed well, the gap was still too wide

·         District specific Incident Management Teams had been established during the programme and the Teams continued to work to contribute to the high uptake of vaccines, effectiveness of outbreak support and local engagement, including working with local elected Members

·         It was reported that vaccination data was available to Street level, which helped to target communities through pop up vaccination hubs

·         Partnership working had been key to the success to date and the enthusiasm of the Incident Management Teams, alongside a strong voluntary sector and clinicians on the ground

·         Clarification was given on the vaccine delivery schedule, that nationally, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised the Government on the vaccination programme and associated updates

·         At the time of the meeting, national planning was underway for an Autumn booster programme for residents aged 65+ or people working in health and social care, eligible carers or those with specified underlying health conditions.  Across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, around 340,000 people would be eligible and the plan was to deliver the booster mainly through the GP/Pharmacy model or vaccination vehicles in communities.  It was hoped that stock would be available from 5 September and be delivered alongside the annual Flu vaccination programme

·         In relation to the impact of vaccination on hospital admissions, the evidence was clear that vaccination reduced the need for intensive care or ventilation and was very effective against serious illness and death.  There was a current rise in cases as the virus mutated and variant strains were detected.  Furthermore, the level of protection would decrease with time, however, the pattern seen with COVID-19 was not uncommon for viruses

·         A Member welcomed and commended the pop up activity in their area, especially in relation to rough sleepers and the homeless.  It was noted that similar activity was planned for the Autumn, working in partnership with other agencies, to provide banking advice and access to personal care for example

·         It was agreed that, where possible and stock allowed, local elected Members would be advised earlier on upcoming activity in their area in order to spread the word

·         Around 70,000 people in Worcestershire were totally unvaccinated with the profile generally including younger residents, however, around 200 individuals were continuing to come forward each week to be vaccinated, whether it be first, second or the booster dose

·         There was an official measure of COVID deaths, however, the HOSC was interested to know numbers of people dying of COVID, rather than with COVID.  The figure was unknown, however, it was known that initially COVID was more deadly, around 8%, and over time and better treatment options available, numbers had decreased to around 1%.  Further information and explanation would be forwarded to HOSC Members after the meeting however attention was brought to the fact that the mortality rate of flu was much greater than COVID

·         A Member queried the effectiveness of boosters when new variants were prevalent, to be informed that it was always an area which was most challenging.  Some medically eligible residents, identified by GPs, were receiving fourth or fifth doses as advised by the JCVI

·         The HOSC Chairman was pleased to hear that Worcestershire was performing well and the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Well being urged everyone to keep up with their vaccinations and reiterated that it was never too late to have the first dose.