BDCT / Important coronavirus updates

Important coronavirus updates

COVID-19 vaccine 

The NHS is inviting people aged 16 and 17 to book their COVID-19 vaccination.

The jabs are being offered through GP-led services, hospital ‘hubs’, some community pharmacies and COVID-19 Vaccination Centres, like and Jacob’s Well in Bradford.

Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine update

Guidance has been issued for the use of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

This follows further reviews by the independent regulator, the MHRA, and the Commission for Human Medicines, and information on a very small number of people in the UK who have developed a rare blood-clotting condition since having the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

The MHRA and Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations have emphasised that the risk of this condition is extremely small and that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks for the vast majority of people. They have recommended that:

  • Everyone who has had the AstraZeneca vaccine should still have a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, irrespective of age, unless they suffered any serious side effects after their first vaccination.
  • People aged 30 and over (including health and social care workers) or who have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease should still be offered the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The benefits in protecting them against the serious consequences of COVID-19 outweigh any risk of this rare condition.
  • People aged 18-29 who do not have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease will be offered an alternative COVID-19 vaccine where available. This has been recommended as a precaution as people under 30 are at less risk from COVID-19 and not because they are considered to be at particular risk of developing the rare blood clot.
  • People under 30 can still choose to have the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine if this will mean they can be protected more quickly, and they have been made aware of the guidance.

Further information on COVID vaccines

Guidance within NHS services 

COVID-19 guidance on wearing face masks and maintaining social distance remains in place for staff and visitors across all healthcare settings beyond Monday 19 July, when restrictions across England are lifted.

This includes hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies. It is important that we all follow this guidance to manage infection rates and ensure patients and staff are protected.

Read the full statement agreed across local NHS settings on this guidance.

COVID-19 guidance across England 

The Government has continued with its plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions on Monday 19 July based on current evidence that the vaccine is significantly reducing hospitalisations and deaths.

The advice to the public is, however, to continue to wear face coverings and maintain social distance in crowded indoor spaces, such as public transport to prevent the spread of infection.

Local leaders from healthcare, the police and the council are urging everyone to remain cautious as cases of the virus continue to rise. They have released a joint statement encouraging the local community to continue protecting themselves and each other by following five steps:

  1. To get both doses of the vaccine;
  2. To continue to wear a mask;
  3. To get tested and isolate if you are unwell;
  4. To mix outside if possible or let the air in if indoors; and most importantly
  5. To give others space.

Read their full statement.

  • Latest guidance on current restrictions – visit GOV.UK.
  • Guidance on demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling abroad – visit GOV.UK

 

 

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