People called for vaccines earlier than they expected
PEOPLE who have received letters to book vaccine appointments earlier than they were expecting to have been encouraged to take up the opportunity.
Health & Social Care president Al Brouard said the Bailiwick was vaccinating the population at a rate among the highest anywhere in the world.
As of yesterday 29,383 doses had been administered.
All over 65s should have been invited to have their vaccine, as well some adults who have been identified as being at risk.
Some people have been questioning why they have not received the vaccine yet and others have been wondering why they have been contacted to get theirs earlier than they expected.
‘We have a database of the demographics and the health of our population which has been created from our own health and care records and other health care partners,’ said Deputy Brouard.
This is being used to invite people in an at-risk group to book a vaccine appointment.
‘Before you question why someone you know has been called for a vaccine before you, please consider that they may have an underlying health condition that they don’t normally talk about.
‘Alternatively, you may be ... called for a vaccine earlier than expected. One reason for this could be that many years ago you were prescribed medication for something that has led you to be being identified in the database as a higher risk.’
Islanders were urged not to worry, especially if they did not consider themselves to be a higher risk, and were told the invitation would not be revoked and they should take the opportunity to have the vaccine.
The at-risk group [Group 6] has been estimated as the largest in the vaccination priority list. Around 2,800 high risk people were expected to be vaccinated through primary care facilities and about 6,700 people through the community vaccination centre at Beau Sejour.
The group includes people with kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, EPI and cancer, as well as those who are morbidly obese, have learning disabilities or have mental health issues.
Deputy Brouard also clarified why the UK was vaccinating younger age groups ahead of the Bailiwick.
He said it did not mean the UK was ahead of the Bailiwick, but rather the older demographic in the islands and the greater uptake locally means it is taking longer for the Bailiwick to move through the higher priority groups than it is taking the UK.
Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said a few people have had an adverse reaction after receiving the vaccine, but mostly they were minor issues such as a sore arm. She said there had been very few severe reactions.
