Agenda item

To receive a verbal update on the work the NHS are undertaking in relation to the nationwide Covid19 vaccination programme in response to ongoing need in communities as the Covid-19 Pandemic has continued.

(Cover report attached)

Dr Amal Paul (GP Partner and Burmantofts, Harehills and Richmond Hill Primary Care Network Clinical Director) and Dr Guy Baker (GP and Clinical Director of Central North Primary Care Network) were in attendance at the request of the Community Committee, to provide an update on the roll-out of the vaccination programme. Members were informed of the following:

·  Alwoodley Medical Centre has had clinics running on Saturdays, and occasionally mid-week;

·  Approximately 20k patients at the Alwoodley Medical Centre have been vaccinated out of a total of 70k, with a small number of those having received the second dosage of the vaccination. The Centre will continue to move through the priority cohort – there are currently 9 priority groups;

·  Volunteers have been staffing and marshalling clinics;

·  It has been identified that there is an over representation of BAME community whom haven’t been vaccinated. Work is ongoing with Public Health colleagues to encourage take up of the vaccine;

·  A direct patient approach has been used by telephoning patients to explain the benefits of the vaccination.

·  The Burmantofts, Harehills and Richmond Hill PCN started vaccinations on the 14 December 2020, and anticipated issues with acceptance of the vaccination by the ethnic minority and deprived communities;

·  Uptake of the vaccination had increased to 55% after working with Public Health England and the NHS to resolve issues around misinformation and mistrust;

·  It was identified that engaging with the community is the approach in achieving trust and acceptance to the vaccinations.

Clarity was sought on whether practices are able to prioritise groups, in terms of people with disabilities/ key workers. Dr Baker confirmed that there was a strict steer from the NHS to prioritise groups on an age basis, and specific learning disabilities now form part of the top 6 priority groups. It was noted that there had been issues with patients receiving invitations twice, and this has caused some confusion. Dr Paul added that places of worship will be used to enable patients to access their nearest centre, and the approach sought improved uptake of the vaccination by the local community, as well as Faith Leaders being present for reassurance.

Laura Fitzgerald (Health Improvement Principal, Adults & Health) provided the Community Committee with a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following matters:

·  COVID proactive prevention and harm minimisation vulnerability model to reduce the negative impact on inequalities in health of COVID-19;

·  Ensuring an outreach approach is implemented and co-designing messages to link in with relevant messages that are needed;

·  The strap line nationally/locally ‘leaving no one behind’; with the aim to mitigate inequalities

·  Principles of the Outbreak Plan;

·  Actions in terms of PCN Inequality Plans, Roving Vaccine and Socially excluded/ communities of interest;

·  Working with Communities with low uptake including community engagement/champions, wider communications and training and awareness sessions.

Members’ discussion included:

·  The importance of using social media as a means to send out key messages and tackle theories and myths around the vaccine, and to identify reasons for hesitancy. It was confirmed that the Council are working with partners on hosting webinars, and working on citywide community engagement plans. Dr Paul outlined some background information on research of the Pfizer and Astrazeneca vaccine, including people’s concerns with fertility; whilst there was no evidence to show the vaccine would have an affect on fertility, the long term effects were not yet known;

·  The importance of understanding the wide diversity of the BAME community, and identifying the different barriers for different communities. Members requested a breakdown on take-up of the vaccine and comparable figures in relation to all ethnic groups;

·  Timings of receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. Members were informed that current COVID-19 guidance advises a 10-12 week wait, although it may be earlier;

·  Clarity on the role of community engagement champions and how they can encourage take up of the vaccine;

·  Clarity on the number of mobile busses and staffing. It was confirmed that 2 mobile busses would initially go live after the logistics and location of the busses have been identified, with the potential to increase that number.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Taylor provided the Community Committee with an update on her experience of receiving the vaccination and encouraged take up of the vaccine.

The Chair thanked those in attendance for their updates.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report.