Agenda item - Vaccination Programme: Verbal Update

Update from Brighton & Hove CCG on local progress of the mass vaccination programme (verbal)

30.1    This item was introduced by Dr Sarah Richards, CCG Medical Director, and by Ashley Scarff, CCG Deputy Managing Director.

30.2    Dr Richards told members that the vaccination programme was progressing on or over target across Sussex. Uptake in Brighton & Hove has been slightly lower than in East and West Sussex and targeted work is being undertaken to improve vaccination rates in the city: e.g. focusing on more deprived communities.

30.3    In response to a question from Cllr Brennan on people in emergency or temporary accommodation, refugees and others who may not have a GP, Dr Richards assured members that these groups and others are being targeted. Measures include bespoke communications for particular groups, the use of trusted community champions to encourage vaccination, and temporary GP registration.

30.4    Cllr West stated that he was uncomfortable with remarks made by the Chair in her Chair’s Communications. In particular, Cllr West noted that there was strong expert backing for the Government’s decision to delay second doses of vaccines in order to prioritise first doses. Cllr Evans responded that it had not been her intention to dissuade anyone from having a vaccination.

30.5    In answer to a query from Cllr Grimshaw on the potential to prioritise some groups (e.g. police or teachers) for vaccination, Dr Richards told members that local areas are required to follow the national vaccination timetable.

30.6    In response to a request from Cllr Powell on more information on the work of Covid champions, with particular reference to outreach to Black & Minority Ethnic groups, Dr Richards agreed to circulate information outside the meeting. Dr Richards subsequently responded that we currently have more than 100 champions across Sussex, with a number specifically focused on Black & Minority Ethnic engagement. In terms of impact, the champions are having a positive impact on social media and are helping to share accurate and up to date information, and challenge incorrect information. In terms of evidence, at this stage it will be the number of interactions and contacts they have through social media and other digital forums, as well as the activity they lead in their communities (posters in shops etc).

30.7    Cllr Powell asked a question about prioritisation for volunteers at foodbanks, where some volunteers in East Sussex had been offered jabs, but people in Brighton & Hove had not. Dr Richards agreed to investigate and respond. Dr Richards subsequently clarified that workers who have regular contact with the public, but who are not working within and health or care settings, should not have priority access to vaccination.

30.8    Fran McCabe noted that the CCG is supporting a vaccination enquiry line and asked for more details on this.Dr Richards was not able to provide details at the meeting, but subsequently confirmed that to help support people and answer queries they may have, there is a vaccine enquiry service which can be accessed by email or by phone. The helpline number is on the CCG website and has been shared with VCS orgs and Healthwatch, and will be shared with GP practices in late Feb/early March. The number is  0800 433 4545 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm) and it is important to be clear that people can’t book their jab by calling.

30.9    The Chair thanks Dr Richards and Mr Scarff for their update.