Thursday 02 December 2021
On 29 November 2021, the JCVI announced that the COVID-19 booster programme would be extended to include anyone aged 18 or over, and young people aged 12 to 15 would be offered a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in response to the Omicron variant of concern.
The Bailiwick will follow the UK and is working through arrangements and logistics to be able to offer a booster vaccine to all over 18 year olds by the end of January. This is our target.
Following this announcement, the Committee forHealth & Social Care (HSC) has agreed to that the following changes should be implemented as soon as possible:
- Anyone over the age of 18 should be offered a booster dose of vaccine provided that 3 monthshas elapsed since their second primary dose of vaccine (or single dose if Janssen).
- Appointments will be offered in descending age groups (oldest to youngest) with priority being given to older adults and those at risk (priority groups 4 and 6).
- A second dose of vaccine to be offered to young people aged 12 to 15 years with a 12-week gap between the 2 doses.
- Patients who meet the criteria will be sent a letter with anappointment date and time for their booster/second dose. You will be asked to attend for your vaccination appointment within a 1-hour time slot.
- The Community Vaccination Centre will be open 7 days a week between 9.30 am and 8pm.
- You MUST bring your appointment letter with you to the Community Vaccination Centre.
Deputy Al Brouard, President of HSC said:
'The announcement from the JCVI in response to the Omicron variant is to accelerate the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines and to raise levels of protection across the population. We have, and continue to, follow JCVI advice on these matters and will be accelerating our own programme to ensure as many islanders as possible have maximum COVID-19 protection before the end of the year.
'I would like to thank, once again, the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture along with Beau Sejour users, for their patience as we continue to utilise the leisure centre to deliver this programme.'
Dr Peter Rabey, Medical Director said:
'The vaccination programme and the booster roll out is essential to protect our health services in the Bailiwick.
'An analysis of the individuals who have been admitted into hospital in this most recent 'wave' shows that the 8%of unvaccinated adults (aged 18 or over) in Guernsey have accounted for 41% of the PEH admissions related to COVID-19 but, more concerningly, 71% of those requiring High Dependency Unit/Intensive Care Unit admissions.'
Some of the patients who required intensive care have had lengthy stays in hospital which means that these specialist beds cannot be used for other patients.'
In this wave there have been 17 COVID-19 related admissions to the PEH - 10 were vaccinated and 7 were unvaccinated.
Jason Moriarty, Strategic Lead for Operational Delivery and Support said:
'In order to accelerate the delivery of this programme, and to use our resources as efficiently as possible, we have changed how people will be invited to the Community Vaccination Centre. We anticipate that this should also reduce the wait times both at the vaccine drop ins and on the phone lines
'Those eligible for a booster vaccine, or a second dose. will be sent a letter with an appointment date and time. We are encouraging individuals to make every effort to prioritise these appointments and attend for their vaccine at their allotted time. We are also asking employers to support the release of staff if their appointment falls within working hours wherever this is practically possible to do so.
'If anyone has exceptional circumstances which means they are unable to attend at their allotted time, we would ask that they call 01481 220006 or email vcc@gov.gg in order to make alternative arrangements and to free up that appointment for another person.'
Deputy Brouard said:
'This is the biggest vaccination programme that has been rolled out globally. We know that our community are keen to receive their second doses/boosters as soon as possible. I would urge everyone to attend their allocated appointment when invited to do so.
'Please I ask that you be kind and respectful to those in the Vaccine Contact Centre and the Community Vaccination Centre. They are working hard to help you and protect the island.'
