Newsflash: just announced. Millions of the most vulnerable could get a booster Covid jab as soon as September, under fresh plans. This new scheme is intended to coincide with the rollout of the annual flu jab. Health officials have said the two-stage programme will be vital ahead of winter to fight new variants.
The Clarity Pharmacy group is balancing its work on Rye vaccinations with the management of their pharmacies elsewhere. They are supported by a team of volunteer clinical vaccinators and numerous other volunteers and had delivered around 4,500 doses by early this week.
On Saturday, July 17 we will move to second doses of Pfizer for those who had their first over eight weeks ago. The centre does allow some “walk-ins” but as we are a small facility it is better to direct messages via @ryepfizer Facebook so that we can control the flow.
The majority of patients book via the national booking site, selecting the Rye option. It is worth reminding that to choose Rye on the national booking site can demand a little patience; decline other locations on offer but persevere for Rye.
Since late May, we have seen many who are anxious or needle phobic. Everyone is encouraged to have the vaccine and we are very reluctant to see anyone go away. Those with concerns are encouraged to mention them on arrival so that we can provide the most caring environment for the experience. The important thing is to have the jabs.
National issues
The new health secretary, Sajid Javid has said that there is “no reason to go beyond 19 July” before lifting lockdown measures in England. However, this is in the context of rising infection rates of the Delta variant in parts of the country. In his first week he has underscored “we have to earn to live with Covid; we are not going to eradicate it any time soon”.
Many schools are seeing more infections. In some areas they are reporting around 10% infected pupils. For schools, the government is considering the processes for isolation to ensure that the minimum number of children are adversely affected. For holiday makers planning to go abroad, there remains conflicting and gloomy news not only with our own quarantine but also the quarantine requirements of many destination countries.
Autumn booster jabs
Plans for a Covid booster jab (third jab) programme in the autumn are still awaited. The government is still waiting for results from trials (the UK’s Cov-Boost trial) of different combinations of vaccines before making any announcement. It also remains to be seen whether children under 18 will be vaccinated. In parallel with the Covid-19 booster programme there will also be the usual winter flu and for some, the pneumonia vaccination.
Volunteers still needed
To enable the Rye vaccination centre to operate efficiently, we rely on volunteers. Those who have joined us – as marshals and registration – tend to enjoy the experience. Vaccinators should have some clinical experience and will be paid. Training and briefing is given for everyone committing to the centre. Please send any names to claritychemist@gmail.com or to Facebook pages @ryeact or @ryepfizer or to 07414 617484 or 07984 930315. There is no fixed commitment. Volunteers can give as much or as little as they can manage. Once contacted, there are WhatsApp groups to link volunteers and vaccinators to the facility.
Image Credits: Anthony Kimber .