Covid and vaccination update

Omicron
It is widely reported that the Omicron variant spreads quickly, but causes a milder form of illness in the vaccinated population. However, even with Omicron, studies in the US (CDC) have found that long Covid can result.

Locally, infections are up, but national official figures show that reinfections make up one in ten of cases in the current Omicron wave. Communities appear to be tolerating greater numbers of Covid outbreaks, compared to those, not long ago, that would have caused a public-health crisis. Are we starting to live with Covid?

With Covid rules now relaxed across the UK, many are enjoying greater freedoms. However for those with vulnerabilities, such as with suppressed immunity, the ending of Covid rules – governing working from home, mask wearing, or self isolation – can result in anxiety. This is particularly so in enclosed public places, where the behaviour of others can heighten concerns. Those affected will want to continue to take precautions to reduce the risk of infection and should feel under no pressure to do anything with which they are uncomfortable.

Research
Since the emergence of Covid-19 in December 2019, there have been numerous Covid research projects in universities both at home and abroad. Research findings are often shared to the public domain. The Imperial College Covid-19 response team lists no less than 50 reports on aspects of the pandemic. This week one current piece of work has been reported which looks at why some people who live with the infected do not fall ill themselves. Some complex findings are only just emerging but when complete it should explain one of the many anomalies of the pandemic.

Rye vaccination centre
In the last nine months at the Rye vaccination centre, we have delivered over 40,000 jabs to the community. The number has included first, second and booster jabs for both adults and latterly the over-12 age groups This would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and support of over sixty volunteers. Since early January, bookings have dropped considerably and after a review, the process at Tilling Green has been adapted. In February, we will be open only on Saturday afternoons with a reduced number of volunteers, but we still prefer patients to book to allow us to plan. Look for @ryepfizer at the Tilling Green community centre, Rye. TN31 7BE (led by Clarity Chemists).

How long will the vaccination programme last?
At the Rye centre it is too soon to say what might happen as demand further reduces: will the programme be needed in the future? There is no answer yet but in the short term we intend to retain the capability, but perhaps not at the scale that we have seen in the last year.

Vulnerable children and the measles warning for children
Last week we reported that children between the ages of five and eleven, considered most at risk of Covid, will be offered Covid jabs. Those eligible would include those with learning disabilities and long-term conditions such as diabetes. The NHS has said that two low dose Pfizer jabs will be offered by GP led teams and in clinical hubs, where facilities and nursing staff are available. This will probably not include the Rye centre. Parents and guardians should wait to be invited to come forward.

On a related health issue, it has been announced this week that since the start of the pandemic, there has been a drop in the number of children receiving doses of the MMR vaccine. This helps protect five-year-olds against measles, mumps and rubella. The numbers are the lowest for a decade, and well below the 95% target recommended to stop a resurgence of the highly contagious measles. Launching a new campaign, the NHS is calling on parents and guardians to get their children MMR vaccinated to prevent these diseases.

Image Credits: Anthony Kimber .