With the news this week dominated by changes to Covid-19 restrictions on “Freedom Day” (July 19), to coincide with rising infection numbers, there has been evolving guidance from government covering the rules for self isolation. Many consider that there have been mixed messages, particularly between the requirements for self isolation either after symptoms are discovered and indicated by the NHS or just when indicated by the NHS app (known as being “pinged”).
Separately, policy covering the circumstances when vaccine passports and certificates might be required is being hotly debated in parliament. These requirements are contentious and impact on all foreign travel. For those considering such travel, it is worth studying all the advice and planning ahead to avoid being caught out if the rules change at short notice.
From the Sussex NHS Clinical Commissioning Group this week, advice has been received about:
- vaccine delivered in Sussex: has varied from 62% (18-30) to 88% (over 60s)
- vaccine supply: being carefully regulated, but Pfizer is still coming to Rye;
- vaccine hesitancy: in common with other centres, we have detected some in the 18 to 30 age bracket, however suggestions by government that two jabs will be needed to secure a vaccine passport has had some positive impact on numbers;
- anti vaccine: two centres have been targeted by demonstrators in central Sussex; Sussex police have been engaged;
- the period between the two Pfizer jabs: remains at eight weeks, unless there is a significant clinical need; do consult the Rye Centre if in doubt;
- 3rd jabs and winter flu: NHS decisions are still awaited, but the programme could start in September.
Locally, we have discussed the central policy for vaccinating under 18s. This week the government has said that: "Children over 12 who are at higher risk of getting ill if they catch Covid-19 will be offered the jab, but the vast majority of children in the UK, who are low risk, will not be offered the vaccine for now. However, some healthy children over 12 who live with other vulnerable people can have the vaccine, as well as those on the cusp of turning 18." If any under 18s are in doubt then they should consult the Rye Centre, where the clinical team will advise on eligibility.
It is worth a reminder that at the Rye Centre there is a face covering policy as part of the measures to help protect against infection. We also have a strict policy requiring self isolation if any volunteer is notified by the NHS because of symptoms or contact with the virus.
Although numbers in the Rye Centre have been relatively low in the last two weeks, bookings for 2nd doses of Pfizer are now rising. There could be busy times ahead.
