To receive a verbal update on the Covid-19 pandemic and the vaccination programme.
Minutes:
Dr Will Maimaris, Director of Public Health, provided a Covid-19 update. It was noted that there had been an acceleration of cases in mid-July due to the Delta variant, with nearly 200 cases per day. It was explained that this was concerning but that there had been lower levels of hospitalisations and deaths compared to January 2021 which seemed to show the impact of the vaccination programme. It was added that, over recent months, there had been a gradual decline in case rates across the borough but that there might be increases when the universities started in September and October.
It was noted that there were moderate numbers of people in hospital with Covid-19, with approximately 20 at Whittington and around 50 at North Middlesex. Hospitals were reporting that the majority of Covid-19 patients in intensive care were under 50 and unvaccinated which demonstrated the importance of encouraging vaccinations.
In relation to the uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine, it was explained that there was comparator data for London. Approximately 75% of those over 50 in Haringey had received two doses of the vaccine. It was noted that, although Haringey was rated as the fourth most deprived borough in London, it had the eighth lowest vaccination rate which demonstrated good comparative results and which surpassed the uptake of previous vaccination programmes.
It was commented that, whilst there was good uptake of the vaccine in general, the was a plateau in all age groups over time and a dramatic reduction in uptake in younger age groups, both in Haringey and across London. It was noted that councils had been proactive in spreading communications about vaccinations but that there were still some disparities in uptake from certain communities.
It was explained that there had been two recent developments in the Covid-19 vaccination programme: the introduction of one vaccine for school children aged 12-15 and the booster vaccination programme for those over 50 and/ or in clinically vulnerable groups. It was noted that schools would be writing to parents and guardians shortly to inform them about the vaccination programme for school children.
Dr Peter Christian, CCG Board Member, noted that it was reassuring to hear that the vaccination programme was delivering positive outcomes in terms of reduced hospitalisations and deaths. He commented that the use of intensive care beds for unvaccinated patients was impacting hospital recovery plans and that the booster vaccination programme would put pressure on essential staff during the autumn and winter.
Sharon Grant, Healthwatch Haringey Chair, stated that residents wanted to know how the Covid-19 booster vaccination would operate and whether they would be contacted. She also noted that there were some concerns about the flu jab programme, including the arrangements and possible shortages. The Director of Public Health clarified that there would be an invitation system for the Covid-19 booster vaccinations as well as proactive outreach work. It was explained that Haringey was well placed to deliver booster vaccinations using pharmacies and primary care sites. Rachel Lissauer, CCG Director of Integration, stated that the flu jab would operate as per normal. It was noted that this would be primarily delivered through GPs and that there was currently no indication that there were capacity risks.
Sharon Grant, Healthwatch Haringey Chair, noted that Healthwatch had conducted some research about people’s views of vaccinations, including the dual delivery of the Covid-19 vaccination and the flu jab. It was highlighted that people were broadly opposed to dual delivery and that the report could be circulated to members of the Health and Wellbeing Board for information. The Director of Public Health noted that it was very unlikely that there would be dual delivery except for, possibly, in care homes. It was added that the Healthwatch report would be circulated.
Geoffrey Ocen, Bridge Renewal Trust, noted that some people had been reluctant to get the vaccinations initially and that it would be important to actively encourage people to take up the Covid-19 booster vaccination. He added that targeted engagement worked well and that Community Protect should be extended. It was also noted that it was challenging to get younger people to take up the vaccinations.
RESOLVED
To note the update.