COVID-19 vaccination programme celebrates one year anniversary

Health and care partners in Sussex are praising the monumental efforts of staff and volunteers across the region as it marks the anniversary of the first Covid-19 vaccination and the start of the biggest immunisation programme in history.

More than 3 million doses of the vital Covid-19 jab, including 1st, 2nd and booster and 3rd doses, have now been administered in Sussex since this time last year.

Latest data also shows that 1.3million people have been protected with their vaccination.

Vaccinations have been delivered through a combination of large-scale vaccination centres, hospital hubs, GP surgeries and community pharmacies.

Watch a message from Amy Galea, the Senior Responsible Officer, for the programme on the one year anniversary.

People over 40 and over can now get their lifesaving booster three months from second dose

People aged 40 and over, along with those in high risk groups, are now able to book in for their life-saving Covid booster jab three months after their second dose as the NHS vaccine programme is extended. The online booking system for vaccines has been updated and details will be updated on the system throughout the week. People in those groups no longer have to wait six months after their second dose to top up their protection and book a vaccination. From this week, people in their forties can book their top up jab a month advance – two months on from their second dose. All eligible adults can now book their life-saving booster jab two months (61 days) after their second dose using the NHS national booking system, getting their top-up in protection three months (91 days) on from their second dose following updated JCVI guidance.

Unvaccinated mothers urge pregnant women to get jabbed

Unvaccinated women who suffered with COVID-19 during their pregnancies have told their harrowing stories of battling the virus, from being hospitalised to having emergency C-sections, as part of a new campaign encouraging expectant mothers to get the vaccine.

The video features 3 women who experienced serious complications after contracting COVID-19 before they’d been vaccinated, as well as the doctors and frontline staff who treated them, to warn of the dangers of the virus for pregnant women and their babies.

Medical expert Professor Asma Khalil from Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is also interviewed as part of the powerful new film and provides further reassurance on the importance of the vaccine.

Data published last week by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows the vaccines are safe for mothers and their babies, with good birth outcomes for vaccinated women who had their babies up to August this year. There were no consistent differences between vaccinated women and all women in the figures for stillbirths, low baby birthweights and premature births.

Nearly 1 in 5 COVID-19 patients who are most critically ill are pregnant women who have not been vaccinated. Of those pregnant women in hospital with symptomatic COVID-19, 98% are unvaccinated, and no fully vaccinated pregnant women were admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 in England between February and the end of September 2021. Around 1 in 5 women who are hospitalised with the virus need to be delivered preterm to help them recover and 1 in 5 of their babies need care in the neonatal unit.

New national film shows Martin Kemp as Father Christmas in vaccine drive

Former soap star and member of music group Spandau Ballet, Martin Kemp has joined the national effort to get people vaccinated – by appearing as Father Christmas in a new film released this week.

The video shows Martin preparing for Christmas – booking the sleigh in for an MOT, polishing his boots, getting his beard in shape and, most importantly, getting his COVID-19 vaccine.

Martin Kemp said:

We all know the run up to Christmas can be one of the busiest times of the year – buying presents, decorating the tree, eating mince pies with family and friends. But I can’t stress enough how important it is to tick your COVID-19 booster or flu jab off your ‘to do’ list this festive season, among all your other preparations, to ensure that you can enjoy Christmas with your loved ones.

It’s quick and easy and will keep us all protected as best as possible this winter. Now go book your jabs – Father Christmas said so!

More information

Much more information about the vaccination programme is available on our website, including details of the services available in each area, latest data, stakeholder briefings, answers to frequently asked questions and links to all the national leaflets and materials.

Thank you for your support in helping to keep our local communities updated and informed about this fast-moving and unprecedented vaccination programme.

> Find more information about the Sussex COVID-19 vaccination programme