Almost 70,000 people across Halton have now had their first dose of Coronavirus vaccine.
This is excellent news and we’d like to thank the people of Halton for coming forward to help protect themselves and others from the effects of this life-threatening disease.
The Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has now opened up the opportunity for anyone 50 years old or over to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. If you are in this age group and haven’t yet received an invite text or letter, then please book to reserve your vaccine by using the link sent by your practice, calling your practice or by clicking here to book via the National Booking service. You can also call 119.
Please note this is for eligible cohorts only. If you are using the National Booking System you can only book on with your NHS number and date of birth, anyone under this age will not yet be able to book their vaccination. It might also not recognise that you are a frontline worker or vulnerable to COVID and so calling your practice may be easier.
The national system will enable you to book an appointment at a Mass Vaccination Site (the nearest to Halton is the Totally Wicked Rugby League Stadium in St Helens) or Appleton Village pharmacy in Widnes – if there is no current availability you will need to keep checking.
If you contact your GP practice, this will allow you to book a vaccination at The Brindley in Runcorn, the DCBL Stadium in Widnes or, if available, your own practice. GP practices are also currently vaccinating people aged 16 to 65 who are in ‘at risk groups’. If you feel you are in a risk group but have not been invited for a vaccination yet then please contact your GP.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccine safety is really important and we would like to reassure everyone that we take the issue very seriously. In the UK every incident that involves a vaccine is reported and examined and the appropriate action is taken as needed.
The UK Medical Regulator (MHRA) and the European Medical Agency (EMA) have both independently investigated recent blood clot cases and identified that the Astra Zeneca vaccine is safe and effective to use. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, an organisation specializing in the field of blood clotting and its disorders, has also recommended continuing to vaccinate using the AZ vaccine.
Vaccine supply
The NHS and local authorities have been informed that due to problems with manufacturing there will be significantly less doses of vaccine available for the month of April. This means that vaccination of those people younger than 50 may be delayed for a week or so. Please do not be concerned about this as the NHS is still committed to vaccinating all adults before the end of July 2021.
Vaccines will still be available and invitations will continue for those people who are over 50 years and for second doses that are due. Please book your first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible if you are in this age group.
Anyone who has a vaccine booked already will still be able to have that vaccine and people who are due to have their second dose will be able to have it based on the nationally agreed schedule.
We must keep going
Halton Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, Eileen O’Meara is urging everyone who can have a vaccine to have it:
“The Coronavirus Vaccination Programme has been successful in saving lives and protecting people from ill health across Halton. We have seen a huge number of people vaccinated in a short period of time. It is a credit to our health services and to our local community that we are able to tackle this virus so effectively. We have seen infection rates fall since the vaccine programme started and we need to keep going.
“The vaccine is safe and it is working. I had my vaccine when I was invited, with no real side effects. I would not hesitate to encourage my family and friends to have their vaccination too. It is important that everyone who is over 50 or has health condition, comes forward for their jab to help give themselves, and the people they care about, the best chance against the Covid-19 virus.”