Tag: vaccination programme

Military drafted in to help increase number of vaccination appointments in Lothian

Race is on to combat Delta (Indian) variant

As the national vaccination programme continues to progress through younger age groups on the priority list, members of the Armed Forces have again been asked to help accelerate the roll-out.

The Scottish Government is working closely with NHS Boards to ensure the number of appointments can be increased in line with national guidance to help combat new variants and provide protection to as many people as possible.

This includes military support and NHS Lothian and NHS Lanarkshire have requested this to enable them to boost their capacity to administer second doses alongside the delivery of first doses to younger cohorts.

Military personnel will therefore assist with vaccinations from Monday 7 June in these areas for up to five weeks.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been involved in the vaccine rollout in Scotland, including the military, which has ensured more than 2 million people have received both doses.

“We remain on track to offer the vaccine to all adults by the end of July, but the emergence of the new variant shows that we cannot be complacent. That is why, as we have done previously, we have requested military support to complement our existing resources and to ensure we can get even more vaccinations into arms as quickly as possible.

“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments when they are offered. That includes going for second doses as they are vital in providing greater and longer lasting protection against the virus.”

The Armed Forces have been working to support the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine programme with new deployments planned in Scotland and North West England.

Working together with local health boards and the NHS, personnel are part of Operation Rescript, the Armed Forces Covid-19 response. They are providing ongoing assistance to administer vaccines, provide logistics and planning support, as well as carrying out surge testing in response to variants of concern.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, said:
The Armed Forces continue to show their incredible versatility and flexibility, deploying wherever and whenever they are needed in support of this national vaccination effort.

I am delighted to see that across all corners of the UK, military personnel are working side by side with their NHS counterparts to help get the British public vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “We have vaccinated over three quarters of UK adults with a first dose and half of adults with a second dose. That is a huge effort across the healthcare system and beyond – and I am incredibly grateful for the amazing role our armed forces have played in this.

“We know how effective the vaccine is, thousands of lives have been saved and thousands of hospitalisations prevented. These are not just numbers, these are our family, friends and loved ones who have all been protected. Each vaccine brings us one step closer to putting this pandemic behind us. So when you get the call, get the jab.”

Commander Standing Joint Command, General Tyrone Urch said: “I am incredibly proud of our servicemen and women who have deployed in support of the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS and Health Boards across the United Kingdom to help deliver the vaccination programme efficiently and at pace.

“We are delighted to be able to support and complement the incredible work done by health professionals and volunteers across the country and we will continue to deliver anything requested of us.”

As part of the UK Government’s response to variants of concern, 400 trained vaccinators from across the Armed Forces are available to be deploy when and wherever required. 4,300 service personnel also remain at high readiness and can be called upon to support with Covid-19 tasks across the UK.

This comes in addition to support the Armed Forces have provided around the world, including delivering vaccines to Ascension Island, Falklands, Gibraltar and Tristan da Cunha, and delivering other essential COVID supplies to India and Nepal.

63 members of the Armed Forces will deploy to Lanarkshire and Lothian from Monday 7 June for up to five weeks.

42 service personnel will provide support to NHS Lothian. This will be made up of 36 vaccinators, 4 registered health professionals and 2 command and control managers. They will be split into 4 vaccine support teams who can deploy across Lothian as required.

21 service personnel will also work alongside NHS Lanarkshire and will consist of 18 vaccinators, 2 registered health professionals and one command and control manager. They will form two vaccine support teams and will deploy across Lanarkshire as required.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “This support from the armed forces gives NHS Lothian a boost in the vaccination race against Covid-19, just when they need it.

“The armed forces played an important role in getting vaccination centres up and running and the extra support they are offering now is extremely welcome.

“The professionalism from NHS Lothian staff in the vaccination programme has been outstanding and if the momentum is kept up they’ll be on top of the second doses soon.”

Cole-Hamilton calls for early decision on vaccinating children

Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton has lodged a parliamentary motion calling for the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation to accelerate the process by which it will come to a view on whether the Covid 19 vaccine rollout can be extended to children.

Mr Cole-Hamilton, lodged the motion after it was revealed that the number of Scottish children aged 0-9, hospitalised with Covid-19 has risen to 10. He is keen for the JCVI to come to a view as to whether or not it is safe to offer vaccines to young people given that it is already being rolled out to children as young as 12 in countries like Canada. This follows widespread reports various reports that the Delta strain of the virus could be more harmful to young people than previous variants.

Commenting, Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “I am in no way trying to influence the decision of the JCVI, nor am I asking them to cut corners, but I am concerned about the threat that the new Delta variant could pose to children.

“There is international data to support the benefits of some vaccines in children. If it’s is possible to safely vaccinate our children and young people I would like to see that done as quickly as possible.

“Canada is one of the first countries in the world to start vaccinating children, and they are confident enough to do so based on the existing data and the view of their own regulators. I’m not for a minute suggest that we follow their lead for the sake of it, but we do need to treat the potential threat of the Delta variant on young people for what it is- a matter of urgency.”

“The sooner we have a decision from the JCVI on use of the Covid-19 for children, the sooner we can put a plan in place for how best to protect them.”

Safety first as Edinburgh remains at Level 2

Scotland ‘remains on the right track’

As the vaccination programme advances through age groups some restrictions are to be eased sooner in areas where case rates and prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) allow, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday.

The First Minister outlined the next steps to Parliament and confirmed that Glasgow will move to Level 2 from 00:01 on Saturday 5 June 2021. Edinburgh will remain at Level 2.

The following mainland local authority areas will also remain at Level 2, while the situation with the virus is monitored closely:

  • East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire
  • East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire
  • North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire
  • Edinburgh and Midlothian
  • Stirling and Clackmannanshire
  • Dundee

At the same time, from 00:01 on Saturday 5 June 2021, these 15 mainland local authorities will move to Level 1:

  • Highland and Argyll & Bute
  • Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray
  • Angus and Perth & Kinross
  • Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire
  • Falkirk
  • Fife
  • West Lothian and East Lothian
  • The Scottish Borders
  • Dumfries & Galloway

All islands currently in Level 1 will move to Level 0 at the same time due to sustained low numbers of cases. Everyone is encouraged to get tested to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by finding cases that might be missed, as around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have symptoms.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I appreciate that today’s decisions will feel like a mixed bag. That reflects the fact that we are in a transition phase. No part of the country is going backwards today.

“Before the vaccines, that would have been impossible on case numbers like this. But the vaccines are changing the game. And that means we can still be optimistic about our chances of much more normality over the summer and beyond.

“As always, all of us have a part to play in beating this virus back. So please, stick with it, and each other.”

For local authority areas in Level 2, we will be providing support to soft play and other closed sectors that had expected to open, or operate in a different way from 7 June. 

Full details will be provided by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance today.

Council Leaders have urged Edinburgh residents to stick to the guidance and come forward for vaccinations and community testing after yesterday’s announcement.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “I know people across the city continue to do a brilliant job to follow the guidance to help steer Edinburgh forward out of lockdown and I know people understand the need to stay in Level Two due to recent increases in transmissions.

“With cases rising in some parts of the city we’ve got to make sure we go at the right pace rather than risk stalling progress further. Even with this slight slowing down of our reopening, I’m very pleased that we’re still on the right track to get back to something like normality again and can still enjoy so much of our city that has reopened already. This is thanks to the hard work of people and businesses across our communities and, of course, the ongoing vaccination rollout.

“If you’re called forward for your jag, please make sure you take up the invitation, especially when it’s your second dose as that’s when immunity against the newly-named Delta variant increases significantly. Those aged 18 to 29 can now register for a vaccine appointment via NHS inform.  

“By each of us doing the right thing and helping to protect ourselves and our communities, we’ll see Edinburgh join other local authorities in the lower levels of restrictions much faster.”

Council Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Nobody wants to go backwards after the really difficult journey we’ve all been on to get to this point so while things are still in a delicate situation in terms of case rates versus vaccination figures, a careful and steady approach is crucial.

“If we can monitor where cases are emerging – including the roughly 33% that never develop symptoms – then we’ll have a much clearer idea of how well we’re limiting the spread of the virus. So as well as getting vaccinated when you’re called forward, it’s really important to continue to take regular tests, as there’s evidence you can still transmit the virus even if you’ve had the jag.

“You can order free lateral flow tests online or, if you don’t have any Covid symptoms, pop into one of our community test centres, which we’re setting up in areas where case numbers are stubbornly high.

“Please continue to follow the guidance when you’re out and about in the shops or meeting friends for something to eat or drink – businesses have worked incredibly hard to put measures in place to keep their staff and customers safe and we need to do our bit too when visiting them.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: First Minister’s statement – 1 June 2021 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

NHS Lothian appeal to students changing address

Students changing address should register for their vaccination at http://nhsinform.scot/under30register by 4 June.

You can change the date, time and location of your appointment online if still in the same health board area, or by calling the helpline if in a different health board area.

Greater Glasgow launches drop-in COVID vaccination centres for people aged 40 and over

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has announced the latest stage in its fight against COVID-19.

The First Minister announced yesterday that Glasgow is to remain in level three lockdown for a further week.
 
Six months into the vaccination programme, and with nearly one million people having received their first dose, NHSGGC is opening drop-in vaccination centres for people aged 40 years and over.
 
If you are 40 or over and have not yet had your first dose of vaccine, or have waited more than 10 weeks for your second dose of Astra Zeneca – in other words, if you had your first dose in March – you can come along to one of the centres listed below from today (Saturday 29th May) and get vaccinated.
 
People will be seen on a first come first served basis, and there will be a set capacity each day. Future dates will be made available if required and we will use our social media channels to keep you regularly updated about potentially busy periods at each of the centres.
 
For more information, go to our website at NHSGGC: Drop-In Vaccinations 

Drop-in centre locations and times:

Saturday 29th May: 

  • Mobile vaccination unit, New Victoria Ambulatory Care Hospital, Minor Injuries Unit car park, 11am-6.30pm

Sunday 30th:

  • SSE Hydro, 9am-6pm

Monday 31st:

  • Glasgow Club Easterhouse, 9am-6pm
  • Glasgow Club Donald Dewar, 9am-6pm
  • Hub Community Centre Clydebank, 9am-3pm

Tuesday 1st June:

  • Mobile vaccination unit, Govan Housing Association Car Park, 35 McKechnie Street, Govan, Glasgow, G51 3AQ, 11am-6.30pm
  • Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley, 9am-6pm

Wednesday 2nd:

  • SSE Hydro, 9am-6pm
  • Glasgow Central Mosque, 9am-6pm
  • Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley, 9am-6pm
  • Allander Leisure Centre, Bearsden, 9am-6pm
  • Mobile Vaccination Unit, Shields Health and care Centre Shields Centre, 80 McCulloch Street, Pollockshields, G41 1NX, 11am-6:30pm

Thursday 3rd:

  • SSE Hydro, 9am-6pm
  • Glasgow Central Mosque, 9am-6pm
  • Alexandria Community Centre, 9am-3pm
  • Barmulloch Community Centre, Glasgow, 9am-6pm

Friday 4th:

  • SSE Hydro, 9am-6pm
  • Glasgow Central Mosque, 9am-6pm
  • Barrhead Foundry, 9am-3pm
  • Carmichael Hall, Eastwood, 9am-6pm
  • Glasgow Club Castlemilk, 9am-3pm
  • Port Glasgow, 9am-3pm

Saturday 5th:

  • SSE Hydro, 9am-6pm
  • Glasgow Central Mosque, 9am-6pm
  • Carmichael Hall, Eastwood, 9am-6pm
  • Renfrew Leisure Centre, 9am-3pm
  • Johnstone Town Hall, 9am-3pm

Sunday 6th:

  • SSE Hydro, 9am-6pm
  • Glasgow Central Mosque, 9am-6pm
  • Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre, 9am-3pm
  • Greenock Town Hall, 9am-6pm
  • Concorde Centre, Dumbarton, 9am-3pm

Glasgow will move to Level 2 from next weekend as long as key indicators remain stable or fall, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday.

In line with the recommendation of the National Incident Management Team (NIMT), the First Minister said there are signs that the situation is stabilising in the postcodes at the heart of the initial outbreak and across the city generally, and that, if that trend continues, the city can move to Level 2 from 00:01 on Saturday 5 June.

The First Minister said yesterday: “Case levels in Glasgow are uncomfortably high but there are signs of progress. So the view of the National Incident Management Team is that it would be premature to move Glasgow out of Level 3 this week while the situation remains so fragile. However, if incidence continues to stabilise, and assuming levels of hospitalisation remain reasonably stable, they will support a move to Level 2 from the end of next week.

“Of course, it is necessary that we do see progress continue. We will be watching the critical statistics carefully every day. If the massive public health efforts continue to have an impact; if our collective efforts continue to drive the virus back; then from next Saturday – 5 June – the plan would be for the city to move to Level 2.

“But, I need to be very clear. We need to see the positive signs to continue to make that a reality. To give as much advance notice as possible, I intend to confirm any decision to Parliament no later than Wednesday of next week.

“So, my message to the people of Glasgow is, don’t lose heart. I live in the city, so I know how hard this is. But please, continue to help with all of the public health efforts that are in place. If we continue to do that, we will move out of Level 3 quickly.

“In particular, please come forward for the vaccine – not just the first, but both doses. And that applies to young people too. This virus can and does make people ill – being young is not a cast iron protection against it. Far from it – a high proportion of the, albeit relatively low, number of hospital cases now are amongst younger age groups.”

UK Government report shows improving vaccine confidence among ethnic minority groups

Minister for Equalities Kemi Badenoch MP and COVID hero GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, have issued a joint call for everyone to take the vaccine when they are offered it.

  • As Government publishes third report on COVID-19 disparities, the Minister for Equalities and hero GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, issue a joint call for everyone to take the vaccine when they are offered it.
  • Evidence shows vaccine confidence has steadily increased among ethnic minorities.
  • This follows flexible vaccine delivery, and targeted communications from government and medical professionals, and partnerships with broadcasters.

The call comes as data shows vaccine confidence has steadily increased following government action, with 93% of adults reporting positive sentiment towards the vaccine. However, some groups are still less likely to get the jab. 30% of Black or Black British adults reported vaccine hesitancy, the highest compared with all ethnic groups.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has prioritised people based on age, with older people being offered the vaccination first. As the UK’s White population makes up a greater number of those in the older age categories, the percentage of those who have already received vaccinations is higher when compared with ethnic minority groups.

As the vaccine is rolled out to younger age groups the Government will continue its targeted action to ensure that ethnic minority people are willing to take the jab.

Minister for Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, said: “We are taking the vital action necessary to protect our families, communities and the country from the scourge of COVID-19. Our positive progress deploying the vaccine and promoting confidence in it has been a tireless, collective effort, from faith leaders, voluntary groups and the NHS all working together in every community to turn back the tide of COVID-19.

“We are not complacent and we will continue to tackle dangerous disinformation and work with trusted partners to promote confidence in the vaccine so everyone takes up their jab when they are offered it.

“Vaccines are the key to unlocking a return to normal life, and this Government will continue to do everything it can to ensure everyone is confident to take them.”

‘Hero’ GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, whose tireless efforts during the pandemic – including online campaigning and debunking of misinformation, and personally calling scores of patients who have yet to take the jab – have been key to fighting the virus, said: “It is really important that everyone takes the vaccine – unless all of us are protected, none of us are protected.

“The vaccines are very safe – they have been trialled on hundreds of thousands of volunteers by world-leading scientists, and now millions of doses have been given, just in the UK alone. I urge everyone to take the jab when they are offered it.”

Alongside this the Minister for Equalities will today publish the third quarterly report to the Prime Minister and Health and Social Care Secretary on progress to understand and tackle COVID-19 disparities experienced by individuals from ethnic minority groups.

The report sets out the swift and flexible action Government has taken to protect people, adapting the vaccine programme as it has rolled out to ensure everyone feels safe and able to get the vaccine, without being stigmatised.

Dr Masood Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer for the Black Country and West Birmingham CCG said: “We have strong, resilient communities and have been able to address vaccine hesitancy by connecting with people, listening to fears, and having meaningful conversations in order to reduce barriers, which is key for longer term sustainable solutions to address wider health inequalities.

“It’s so important that we share learnings to understand and address the health inequalities that COVID-19 has highlighted, and whilst we have had some success in reaching people and communities, there is still opportunity to do more.”

Dr Rohini Mathur, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “This report highlights the positive impact of increasing vaccine confidence in minority ethnic groups across England and points towards the importance of understanding the complex interaction between socio-economic, geographic, and health related factors in explaining disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The report sets out the following next steps:

  • The Minister for Equalities to share the findings of her third quarterly report with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
  • Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to consider how to apply the findings of the review of experiences of frontline healthcare workers and the UK-REACH study.
  • NHS England’s published data on vaccination uptake by ethnicity should be further disaggregated to provide percentage uptake by vaccine priority group cohorts and sex. This should include levels of unknown ethnicity and an assessment of how this might affect the interpretation of vaccination uptake for different ethnic groups.
  • NHS England and Improvement (NHSEI) should publish data about the use of the NHS COVID-19 app by different ethnic groups. This will inform activity to increase the uptake and continued use of the app.
  • DHSC and NHS should further investigate practical barriers to vaccine uptake by ethnicity to assess and address any intention-action gap.
  • DHSC should ensure that NHS organisations and GPs are provided with clear guidance and protocols about how ethnicity should be requested and recorded in health records.
  • RDU should engage with the Office for Statistics Regulation about priorities for improving the quality (including harmonisation, robustness and reliability) of ethnicity data on health records, drawing on others’ expertise as appropriate, and report back in the final quarterly report.
  • The Minister for Equalities and the Minister for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment will continue a programme of engagement in the next 3 months, focusing on promoting vaccine uptake and encouraging asymptomatic testing, particularly for those within higher risk occupations, as sectors reopen.
  • As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, the government’s Vaccine Confidence campaign will aim to inform, educate and empower those aged 18 to 50 to take up their vaccine. Using the tagline ‘Every Vaccination Gives Us Hope’ content will take an optimistic tone, aiming to reach and persuade younger audiences, including ethnic minority groups.
  • At each step of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, tailored guidance and communications will continue to be shared through community and media channels to maximise reach and impact.

Communications

  • To drive forward uptake of the vaccine, the government has prioritised communications with ethnic minority people across the UK, that includes:
  • A partnership with 12 community radio stations, which has delivered key messages about vaccines in 13 different languages to 1.5 million people.
  • Television partnerships with 21 multicultural TV networks, delivering 30 second adverts on 43 TV stations in 9 languages, reaching approximately 3 million people each week.
  • A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport social media campaign to tackle false vaccine information, which has been shared with more than 4 million people through community and local networks, reaching people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
  • Ethnic minority medical professionals promoting facts and dispelling myths about the vaccines online, including a series of videos with Dr Amir Khan, a GP from Yorkshire, whose video on the vaccine being halal reached more than 330,000 people.
  • A programme of Ministerial engagement, including a roundtable with Black African and Black Caribbean Faith Leaders and GPs, recognising the important role that churches play in promoting vaccine uptake amongst their congregations.
  • Celebrities and influencers, including Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain, backing the NHS COVID-19 vaccine drive.
  • A short film backed by the NHS based on an open letter signed by Sir Lenny Henry and a range of high-profile celebrities encouraging Black adults in the UK to make informed decisions about the vaccine.

Sixty million and rising!

‘one of the greatest achievements in Health Service history’

Over 60 million doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine have been administered, with 37.9 million people across the UK receiving at least one jab.

  • More than 22.6 million people in the UK have been vaccinated with both doses for the strongest possible protection
  • Public urged to get vaccine when eligible

Around 72% of UK adults have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the latest figures published yesterday (Sunday 23 May) show.

Health services across the UK have now administered a total of around 60.6 million vaccines since 8 December, including around 37.9 million people with their first dose (72%) and 22.6 million with both doses (43%), ensuring they have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 from a second dose.

This comes as new real-world data shows the vaccines are reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving more than 13,000 lives and preventing 39,100 hospitalisations in England by 9 May.

The government met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by 15 April and remains on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July. NHS England are sending texts inviting people to book a vaccination to those aged 32 and 33.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “Shortly after vaccinating over 70% of adults in the UK with a first dose, we have hit yet another incredible milestone with over 60 million doses delivered in total.

“Our trailblazing vaccination programme – the biggest and most successful in NHS history – is another great British success story and a testament to what can be achieved when all 4 corners of country comes together to defeat this virus.

“Our country has one of the highest uptake rates in the world and I’m delighted that so many have answered our call to arms. If you have not yet come forward, and you are eligible, I urge you to take up the offer – it could save your life and protect your loved ones.”

To ensure people have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19, appointments for second doses have been brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for the remaining people in the top 9 priority groups who have yet to receive both doses.

The move follows updated advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which has considered the latest available evidence and has recommended reducing the dosing interval to counter the threat of new variants of concern.

The UK government announced new ‘decisive actions’ to halt the spread of the B1.617.2 variant of concern first identified in India last week. Targeted activity is taking place to continue to drive vaccine uptake amongst eligible cohorts to protect the most vulnerable.

The government continues to work in close partnership with local authorities to ensure the right action is taken at the right time, and to boost uptake of the approved vaccines for those eligible in these areas.

The UK Government says they are also providing support to the Scottish government, who are adopting similar action to control the spread of variants in Glasgow and Moray.

The government and its scientific experts are monitoring the evolving situation and rates of variants closely, and will not hesitate to take additional action as necessary.

Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi said: “Today we hit yet another phenomenal achievement, with 60 million jabs in arms and over 4 in 10 people fully vaccinated with two doses.

“I want to pay tribute to the heroic work of NHS workers, volunteers, local authorities and civil servants across the whole country who have worked tirelessly to help make this happen.

“The vaccine is saving thousands of lives and provides invaluable protection from this virus, so when you get the offer please come forward for the jab.”

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “This latest milestone in our ongoing fight against COVID-19 is another opportunity to thank everyone again working throughout this weekend to deliver the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme come rain or shine, through thick and thin – undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements in Health Service history.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “It’s superb to hear more great news about the vaccine rollout. This milestone underscores the incredible progress we are making right across the country in our fight against COVID-19.

“The UK government is supplying vaccines for people in all parts of the United Kingdom, and our fantastic NHS is working tirelessly to administer first and second doses.

“I’d encourage everyone to please take up the invitation to get the jab when it comes to help us all through this pandemic.”

The vaccine offers high levels of protection against symptomatic disease and even higher levels of protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.

Protection increases with the second dose which is why it’s vital that everyone gets both doses of the vaccine as soon as they are offered to them. Getting the vaccine makes people less likely to get infected and growing evidence shows that it also helps to prevent them from passing the virus on to others.

The latest data from Public Health England’s (PHE’s) real-world study shows the vaccines are already having a significant impact in the UK, reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving at least 13,000 lives and preventing at least 39,100 hospitalisations in England by the 9 May. For the over 80s, it is estimated that 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalisation by 93% from the B.1.1.7 (Kent) variant.

PHE analysis also shows that individuals who receive a single dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine have approximately 80% lower risk of death against the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant originating in Kent and a second dose of the vaccine can provide 85-90% protection against symptomatic disease. Protection against death from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine rises from approximately 80% after one dose to 97% after 2 doses against the Kent variant.

A new study by PHE shows that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India. Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant is similar after 2 doses compared to the B.1.1.7 (Kent) variant dominant in the UK, and we expect to see even higher levels of effectiveness against hospitalisation and death.

Data published by YouGov shows the UK continues to top the list of nations where people are willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine or have already been vaccinated.

ONS data published on 6 May found that more than 9 in 10 (93%) adults reported positive sentiment towards the vaccine.

Approved vaccines are available from thousands of NHS vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies. Around 98% of people live within 10 miles of a vaccination centre in England and vaccinations are taking place at sites including mosques, community centres and football stadiums.

The latest UK-wide vaccination statistics are published here 

Vaccines are ‘highly effective’ against Indian variant

New study shows that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India

Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant is similar after 2 doses compared to the B.1.1.7 (Kent) variant dominant in the UK, and Public Health England expect to see even higher levels of effectiveness against hospitalisation and death.

The study found that, for the period from 5 April to 16 May:

  • the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 88% effective against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant 2 weeks after the second dose, compared to 93% effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant
  • 2 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were 60% effective against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant compared to 66% effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant
  • both vaccines were 33% effective against symptomatic disease from B.1.617.2, 3 weeks after the first dose compared to around 50% effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant

The analysis included data for all age groups from 5 April to cover the period since the B.1.617.2 variant emerged. It included 1,054 people confirmed as having the B.1.617.2 variant through genomic sequencing, including participants of several ethnicities. Data published on Thursday 20 May for vaccine effectiveness covered the period since December for those aged over 65.

The difference in effectiveness between the vaccines after 2 doses may be explained by the fact that rollout of second doses of AstraZeneca was later than for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and other data on antibody profiles show it takes longer to reach maximum effectiveness with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

As with other variants, even higher levels of effectiveness are expected against hospitalisation and death. There are currently insufficient cases and follow-up periods to estimate vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes from the B.1.617.2 variant. PHE will continue to evaluate this over the coming weeks.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: This new evidence is groundbreaking – and proves just how valuable our COVID-19 vaccination programme is in protecting the people we love.

“We can now be confident that over 20 million people – more than 1 in 3 – have significant protection against this new variant, and that number is growing by the hundreds of thousands every single day as more and more people get that vital second dose. I want to thank the scientists and clinicians who have been working around the clock to produce this research.

“It’s clear how important the second dose is to secure the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 and its variants – and I urge everyone to book in their jab when offered.”

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, said: “This study provides reassurance that 2 doses of either vaccine offer high levels of protection against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant.

“We expect the vaccines to be even more effective at preventing hospitalisation and death, so it is vital to get both doses to gain maximum protection against all existing and emerging variants.”

Minister for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Nadhim Zahawi said: Almost every day we get more and more encouraging evidence about the difference our COVID-19 vaccines are making to people’s lives – with 13,000 lives saved and 39,100 hospitalisations prevented overall.

“Today’s data is astounding and a true reflection of just how important it is to get both your jabs when offered.

“I encourage all those offered an appointment to get their jab booked in as soon as possible and take full advantage of the high levels of protection the vaccines bring.”

Launch of Lowland Hall Mass Vaccination Centre at Ingliston

This week NHS Lothian launched their biggest COVID-19 vaccination centre so far in a bid to deliver more lifesaving vaccinations. The first of thousands of patients have begun streaming through the Lowland Hall at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston.

Vaccination teams opened the doors to the huge centre which has 50 vaccination stations with the potential to increase, if required.By opening Lowland Hall, we will be able to more than triple our current capacity.

We will deliver 18,000 vaccines every day as the numbers of patients eligible for the jab increases in line with the population mix in Lothian.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Lowland Hall.

Protecting Scotland against COVID

Appeal for those who missed vaccine appointments to come forward  

Anyone who was part of vaccine priority groups 1-9 and missed their original appointment is being asked to come forward to arrange their vaccination.

This includes everyone 50 or over, adults on the shielding list, anyone with underlying health conditions, and unpaid carers.

Invitations have been issued to everyone aged 40 or over, with 30-39-year olds starting to be invited now. In the specific areas of Glasgow affected by the current outbreak, all 18-39 year olds are being invited with older age groups first.

Anyone who believes they should have had a letter by now with details of either their first or second dose should call the national helpline or fill out the missing appointments form on the NHS Inform site.

The system for handling missed appointments has recently been streamlined in order to speed up the process.

More than three million people – two thirds of the adult population – have now received their first dose. However, in response to the new variant currently circulating in parts of the UK, and in line with updated JCVI advice, second doses which are not already scheduled, are being brought forward from 12 weeks to eight weeks across Scotland where supply allows.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “Our vaccination programme has been extremely successful, and we’ve seen very high uptake rates across all age groups. However, we know that there will inevitably be a small number of people who, for a variety of reasons, may not have taken up their original appointment.

“Our message to you is clear – it is not too late, and you are still welcome. Please contact us to make an appointment today.

“It continues to be vitally important that everyone takes up the opportunity to get both doses of their vaccination when their opportunity arrives. I want to emphasise that the second dose offers greater and longer lasting protection, and should not be missed.

“Vaccination is crucial in protecting ourselves, our families and communities and helping us on the path back to normality.

“Anyone who missed their original appointment, or thinks they may have been missed, should contact the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 013 8013 or fill out the missing appointment form on the NHS Inform website. They can also help you find other ways to get your coronavirus vaccination if you are unable to leave your home for your appointment on medical grounds.

“People who have been vaccinated should still continue to get tested and engage with contact tracing teams if they are a contact of a positive case. While the latest evidence suggests vaccines provide a high level of protection, they don’t yet provide a guarantee that you can’t still get the virus or pass it on to others around you.”