To receive an overview of the NHS vaccination programme and most recent data.
Minutes:
With the Chairman’s agreement Item 9 was taken first, out of order.
The Director of Public Health introduced a representative from NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight to provide an overview of the vaccination programme. Members heard that this is logistically hugely challenging but vital part of the protection against the virus and work continues in collaboration with the Public Health team.
As part of the Integrated Care System delivery, the data is maintained at a national level and cannot be shared at the local or regional level at this time. Data sets are expected to be released soon for information at the more granular level such as local areas and CCGs.
The aim of the programme is to save as many lives as possible as quickly as possible while reducing hospitalization and pressures on the NHS. Currently in Phase 1, the 4 levels of those cohorts identified most at risk by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) including over 80s, those living or working in care homes, and then people over 75 and 70, as well those clinically vulnerable. First doses for all those groups are well on track to be completed by 14 February. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (HIOW), 84% of care homes and 70% of over 80s have been reached via Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and General Practitioners (GPs).
The model of delivery is in three modes for HIOW– community vaccination services, hospital hub model, and vaccination centres. In addition to front line health and social care staff, work continues to identify people in terms of the workforce. Smaller local services have helped with easier access and 4 new locations (Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Isle of Wight) will be up and running by the beginning of February. Work continues with pharmacies to be able to vaccinate from their premises. For capacity, both GPs and the National Booking Service will reach out via phone or letter for pharmacy appointments or vaccination centres (currently within a 60-mile radius, not necessarily in Hampshire). For wider cohorts in the general population, first doses are expected to be completed by the beginning of summer contracting and flexing as needed to reach all of HIOW. It was emphasized that at this time the goal is to save lives and strictly protect the JCVI cohorts.
In response to questions, Members heard:
The information used at the national level for appointments at the large vaccination centres comes from clinical records at GP practices. There have been some issues with overlap as the systems were not linked up in the beginning, but once it is up and running, the offer letter will share all access options and have sight of planned and current vaccinations. Concerns and confusion regarding vaccination via National Booking System or GPs should be addressed in the meantime.
Vaccines from different manufacturers are allocated centrally from one system with sight of the remaining needs for local population with adequate supplies to manage core priorities. Regional and national colleagues will review the progress and order of Phase 1.
The Health Protection Board (HPB) and Communication teams have worked to ensure messaging that having a vaccine does not mean people can resume their lives without restrictions. This is a key point in making sure that good behaviours and hygiene standards are maintained. Public Health and Local Authority messaging is aligned with that of the NHS as well as the PCNs, which circulate at the time of the vaccine.
Distance travelled by elderly residents for vaccinations and lack to support from friends, family, and volunteers due to social distancing remains important. The distance issue will be addressed over the next two weeks and immunizations offered within a 10-mile radius as well as support from volunteers to get there without any cost to residents. This will be well-publicised, and second appointments made at the time of the first vaccination for notice and clarity.
Teachers, police, and those of importance to civil society are being included in plans with the Local Resilience Forum to bring to the forefront. The capacity for immunization is known and a road map will be set up in an upcoming paper very soon. It was noted that sight of the paper would be helpful for the Board, alongside HPB oversight.
The next formal meeting will take place at 10am on 16 February and meetings with local authority leaders will continue alongside briefings as needed.
The meeting ended at 4pm.