More than 750,000 people have received at least one vaccine dose in Hertfordshire and W Essex.
AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine – The MHRA has carried out a detailed review of reports of an extremely rare blood clotting problem affecting a small number of people who have had the AZ vaccine. It’s not yet clear why it affects some people, but the risk is extremely low – around 4 people develop this condition for every million doses of AZ vaccine given. Read the latest guidance from Public Health England Click Here
The COVID-19 vaccine can help stop you getting seriously ill or dying from coronavirus. For people aged 30 or over and those with health conditions which put them at particular risk from COVID-19, the benefits of being vaccinated significantly outweigh any risk of clotting problems. People are advised to continue to come forward for their vaccine and complete their course with the same vaccine they had for their first dose, unless they suffered serious side effects after their first dose.
Roadmap out of lockdown – Lockdown restrictions will continue to ease next week in line with Step 2 of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown. This means that from 12 April, hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen for outdoor service. It also allows more indoor settings to reopen, including non-essential shops, hairdressers and gyms. For the Govt Road Map Click Here
Testing – On 5 April, the Prime Minister announced that all people in England will now be able to access twice weekly rapid tests for coronavirus from 9 April. To find your nearest collection site and order online Click Here You can also book a test for yourself at one of HCC’s Rapid Test Centres Click Here
Vaccine Supplies – With the current reduction in the available supply of vaccine fewer appointments will be available for first doses during April, as the bulk of vaccine supplies will be used to fully vaccinate people who are due their second jab. The revised opening times for appointments are availableClick Here
Questions and answers about the Vaccine are available Click Here
More people added to priority list for vaccinations – Earlier this week, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised that people over 16 years of age who live with severely immunosuppressed adults – including people with HIV, or cancer, should also now be offered the COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccination Programme – There is information available about the vaccination programme, including resources for adults with learning disabilities and resources in different languages and formats Click Here
Click Here for resources in different languages including leaflets and videos in Arabic and Urdu
Keep on doing the basics: Wash hands regularly and thoroughly. Keep distanced from others. Wear a face-covering when required. Self-isolate when told to do so
If you or your family need financial or practical help and advice with the cost of food or fuel this winter, please get in touch with HertsHelp: Click Here or email or call 0300 123 4044
For more information and guidance for Residents and Businesses during the pandemic please Click Here
Photo by Aljoscha Laschgari on Unsplash