Chair of Devon Clinical Commissioning Group to update on the issues and key messages on the rollout of the mass vaccination programme and communications in Devon.
Minutes:
The Chair of the Devon Clinical Commissioning Group updated the Board regarding the vaccination rollout programme, advising that:
• Community Figures showed there were under 200 patients with Covid-19 (similar to November 2020 figures);
• The Nightingale Hospital currently had 50 patients with Covid19;
• The independent sector was being used to cover elected surgery and other activity;
• There had been very positive experiences at the vaccination sites from staff and volunteers – 300,000 first doses across whole county including Plymouth and Torbay had been given;
• The first 4 priority groups were on target to be completed by 14th Feb – and there was approximately 90% uptake;
• In the over 80 age group – 93% had been vaccinated. All but 8 Care Homes had been visited – those that had not was due to significant Covid-19 outbreaks. 90% of care home residents had received the vaccine;
• Over 80% of health and social care staff had been vaccinated;
• Cohort 5 (age 65 and over) was due to start next week;
• Cohort 6 – the NHS was waiting for further government guidance on how to define clinically vulnerable and carers; and,
• Given the high proportion of older people in the County, it was a testament that Devon had kept up with other areas of the country with smaller numbers of older age groups.
The Board further received a presentation on understanding perceptions of the COVID-19 Vaccination, which covered the following:
• A series of focus groups had taken place with 1800 local people to understand the perception of the vaccine rollout and the likely uptake of the vaccine;
• The focus groups looked at what might sway people or change their minds to get a vaccine and where they received information from about the vaccine;
• The main objectives of the study was to:
• Prepare for the rollout of the national campaign by identifying target groups;
• Understand what motivated people to get the vaccination and what barriers there were;
• Identify trusted sources of information to ensure the most effective channels were used; and
• Identify what additional needs may be required to support uptake of the vaccine for people from BAME communities and those with learning disabilities and autism;
• The key findings of the study showed that 74% of respondents said they would get a vaccine (mainly women aged 45-75 years); 19% were hesitant (mainly women aged 46-65 years); 2% were resistant (mainly females under 65 years); less than 2% were rejectors (a mix of male and female aged 26-85 years);
• Trusted information sources – the NHS was the most trusted source of information, followed by GP surgeries, NHS campaigns and government briefings – social media was the least trusted source;
• Focus groups took place with those individuals with autism and learning difficulties and BAME Community groups; and,
• Recommendations were to promote the national vaccination uptake campaign; utilise trusted sources of information; provide support for those with learning disabilities, and support uptake amongst the BAME community.