Update No 46 31st January 2022

More than 8 out of 10 of those eligible are now boosted - as NHS calls for anyone yet to have it to come forward

Latest data shows that 86.4% of those eligible for a booster in West Sussex has now received it.

This means that 546,689 people have come forward for this vital protection. But we are not complacent and are continuing to work to encourage those who are yet to have a first, second or booster vaccine to receive theirs.

Thousands of appointments are available on the National Booking Service website or by calling 119 for this week and next. There are also many walk in sessions across our communities - both for adults and for 12 to 15 year olds. At community centres, supermarkets and in town centres, the pop up clinics are open for first, second and booster vaccinations. No appointment is needed and people can come at any time during the session. The teams are also able to answer any questions that people may have - if you are not sure, or you have questions, come and meet the team and they can talk to you about it. There is no pressure to have the vaccine on the day; they are keen to answer your questions. '

The best protection against COVID-19 remains the vaccination. See the latest list of walk-in sessions in your area

Thousands of appointments are available for 12-15s ready for a COVID-19 vaccination

Over the next three weeks, more than 3000 appointments are available in West Sussex for 12 to 15 year olds searching for their COVID-19 vaccination. The appointments, available at vaccination services, can be booked through the national booking website or by calling 119.

There are appointments every single day and at a range of locations across our communities.

There are also walk-in sessions taking place specifically for anyone aged between 12 and 15 to receive their first or second COVID-19 vaccination. No appointment is needed at these sessions and families (including a consenting parent) can simply turn up, receive advice and information, and vaccination. Both of these options is in addition to sessions that are taking place in every secondary school in Sussex to offer vaccinations to teenagers. Families will receive direct communications from schools to share the dates and consent forms for these sessions. The schools vaccination team is also planning catch up sessions for half term and these will be shared again via schools.

See a full list of specific walk-in sessions in Sussex for 12 - 15s.

For more information on vaccinations for 12 - 15 year olds, go to the Sussex Health and Care Partnership website.

Update on vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11

The Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that COVID-19 vaccination is offered to children aged 5 to 11 in a clinical risk group (as defined in the Green Book), or who are a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed.

The recommendation is that children in these groups are offered two doses of paediatric Pfizer (10mcg), 8 weeks apart. If a child has recently had COVID-19 they should wait 4 weeks after testing positive before having a vaccine dose GPs and hospitals, including community paediatricians, have now been asked to identify those children at risk and will be contacting them directly over the next few weeks to invite them to come and receive their vaccination at a local vaccination site. These vaccinations will be offered at vaccination services, and not through school visits. Families are asked to wait to be contacted and their local service will contact them to arrange an appointment for their child. We are 3 currently awaiting confirmation of the deliveries of the paediatric Pfizer but we expect appointments will be offered throughout February for first doses. If anyone has any questions or concerns please contact the Vaccine Enquiries Team on sxccg.vaccineenquiries@nhs.net or call 0800 433 4545 (open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Friday).

If anyone has an urgent need in exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to make individual arrangements. Please contact the Vaccine Enquiry Team on the details above to discuss. How will I know if my child is eligible?

• GPs and hospital specialists have been asked to identify 5 to 11-year[1]olds who are eligible. For children eligible as a household contact, the NHS will write directly to the person who is immunosuppressed.
• Parents and guardians will be notified if their child should get the vaccine and told how they can book an appointment. The NHS will be in touch in the coming weeks if your child is eligible, so it's important that parents wait to hear from us and do not contact their GP.

Reminder: Quiet Session this weekend

A dedicated vaccination session is taking place this month for anyone with a learning disability and anyone who would benefit from a quiet space and more time to get their COVID-19 vaccination.

The clinic, which is being organised by GP Federation, HERE, is being offered to people living in Sussex who are currently eligible for the vaccine and who may need more time for their appointment, or who has extra access needs where a quieter and calmer environment would help support them to receive their vaccination.

It is taking place on Saturday 29th January at the Brighthelm Centre in Brighton. It is a booked session, so please call 0300 303 8060.

Evidence of vaccination for under 18s

An NHS COVID Pass shows your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination details or test results. This is your COVID-19 status. You may be asked to show your NHS COVID Pass:

• to travel abroad

• at events and venues asking for proof of your COVID-19 status in England, Wales or the Isle of Man

If you're aged 16 or over, you can get a digital NHS COVID Pass for travel. People under 16 may need to show a negative test result. If you're 18 or over, you can also use your digital NHS COVID Pass for domestic events and venues. People under 18 do not have to show proof of their COVID-19 status for domestic events or venues in England.

If you are aged 12 and over, are fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine used in the UK, you had your vaccination in the UK or certain countries abroad, and you're registered with a GP in England or the Isle of Man, you can get a letter version of the NHS COVID Pass for travel. If you're not registered with a GP, you can use this service if you have an NHS number. If you were vaccinated in Scotland or Wales, you can use this service if you're registered with a GP in England.

You can apply 5 days after you are fully vaccinated, and the letters are valid for 30 days. You should get them within 7 working days of the date you ask for them. Read more. If you have any questions, concerns, comments or suggestions please contact Patrick Brady - Email plb11@btinternet.com Mobile 07977 50643