This week, the Office for National Statistics reported that Covid vaccine hesitancy has almost halved among 18 to 21 year olds in Great Britain. This has been reflected in the increased number of young people booking for vaccination in Rye.
Following the decision by the government to vaccinate 16 and 17 year-olds in the UK, there have been numerous enquiries from this group. As yet, there is no guidance for a start date but the government suggests that this will come “within weeks.” What is already clear is that 16 and 17 year olds will not need parental consent to be vaccinated. If they book into the Rye centre they will receive Pfizer vaccine. Further advice is linked below.
NHS Covid Pass
The NHS Covid Pass shows coronavirus (Covid) vaccination details or test results. Individuals might be asked to show their pass to travel abroad, or at events and venues in England asking for proof of your Covid status. People will need to check the entry requirements for the country or the venue being visited. For those who want to know more about the Covid status, the link is here.
Booster Jabs
The government says that arrangements for the third or booster jabs for the over-50s and the vulnerable will be announced soon. We wait to hear how the Rye centre might be involved.
Vaccination Experiences
At the Rye centre we have seen many who are anxious about the vaccination or the vaccine. What follows reflects some thoughts by volunteer Seana Lanigan.
Some coming to the centre, including pregnant women, have been worried about side effects or potential long term problems. Vaccinators provide some preliminary advice and then if required, more on Covid risk versus benefits before individuals are required to give the go ahead for the vaccination. After the preliminaries, a few have left without vaccination, but having been counselled appear much more content than when they came in. Some of these have returned later and committed. Therefore the message for all those with anxieties is to come along and talk to the team. If it is helpful to bring a friend or family member, we can cope with that. Importantly, do visit to discuss, as it will not be viewed as time wasting. Ultimately whether or not to commit to the vaccine remains a personal decision.
Seana also reports that as well as seeing young people and “second dosers”, there have been some older people who had missed earlier opportunities for vaccine. In some cases, locations on offer were inconvenient. In addition to seeing those who first came eight weeks ago when the Rye centre opened, there are many who have been to other centres. For their second jab they have held out for Rye as it was more convenient. This has vindicated the significant work that has been involved in setting up the Rye facility, including of course seeking and maintaining the fantastic volunteers who make it all work.
Image Credits: Anthony Kimber .