As the number of Covid cases in England has fallen significantly since a week ago according to the government’s official figures, the so called Plan B restrictions are due to be removed over the next week. People are longer asked to work from home, face masks will no longer be compulsory in indoor public spaces from January 27 and for secondary school pupils in classrooms the requirement to wear them ended on January 20.
The legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid remains in place.
The health secretary continues to urge people to "get boosted now" as the data reveal that those who are unvaccinated, if infected, are eight times more likely to end up in hospital.
Since Christmas, numbers arriving at the Rye vaccination centre have fallen, but there is still a steady stream of patients arriving for first jabs (including some 12 to 15 year olds, who had previously declined jabs in the school programme) and boosters for older groups.
5 to 11 year olds
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that children aged 5 to 11, who are at clinical risk, or in contact with someone who has suppressed immunity, should be offered a low dose vaccination. The details of the programme are yet to be clarified.
Boosters
JCVI have also advised that booster vaccinations should be offered to persons aged:
- 12 to 15 years, at clinical risk or in contact with someone who is immune suppressed.
- 16 to 17 years, who can book from this week if they had a second vaccine dose at least three months ago.
Boosters for older groups continue to be available.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women have been urged again to get vaccinated after a new study from the University of Edinburgh has found that those with Covid and without vaccination have an increased risk of birth related complications.
Those with suppressed immunity
People who have a suppressed or weakened immunity are now able to book a fourth jab, three months after their third jab. Invitation letters will be going out to eligible individuals. Patients should present these letters to vaccinators to receive their vaccination.
Christmas cheer
We should record that over Christmas, the Rye vaccination centre received many goodwill messages and gifts for the staff and volunteers. We should particularly like to thank Stephen Jempson of Jempson Stores, for his donations.
Rye vaccination centre @ryepfizer is led by Clarity Chemists supported by community volunteers. The centre receives varying types of vaccine, dependent on availability, from NHS England.
It operates in the Tilling Green Community Centre, Mason Road, Rye, TN31 7BE, provided by Rye Partnership. Opening times can be found @ryepfizer.
