Health

The NHS in Sefton is reminding all residents to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine booked in as soon as possible, to get maximum protection and help curb the spread of the virus across the borough.

Following updated national guidance, NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are also encouraging people aged over 50 to take up the offer of bringing forward their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine when they are contacted, to ensure they have the strongest possible protection from the virus at an earlier opportunity.

Brought forward

Sefton residents who are over 50, and those who are clinically vulnerable, are now able to have their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks after their first dose. Anyone who is due their second vaccine and is in one of the top nine priority groups, will be contacted by the NHS to let them know when and how to rebook.

If they had their vaccine at a GP led vaccination site, their GP will be in touch with them to book them in for their second dose earlier than planned.

For those who booked via the national booking service they will be contacted by the NHS to rearrange for an earlier date. Once contacted, they will then need to cancel their existing second dose appointment online or by calling 119. When they have cancelled their existing appointment, they will be able to book a new date at around 8 weeks after their first vaccine dose, or as soon as possible after that.

Increased defence

Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby (CCG), said: “While the first dose of the vaccine does give good protection from the virus, the second dose gives you an increased and longer-lasting defence, so we encourage those eligible to get their second dose as early as possible by bringing their appointments forward when contacted to do so.”

“The vaccines have been proven to be highly effective against COVID-19, including against the new variant first identified in India, so getting both your doses as soon as you are able will help us to keep our communities in Sefton protected.”

Never too late

Dr Craig Blakey, GP and urgent care lead for NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “More than 170,000 people in Sefton have received their first dose of protection so far, and over 111,000 have already been fully vaccinated.

“Vaccines are safe, effective and it’s never too late to get your jab so if you’re eligible – do not delay booking in for your appointment.

“Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against COVID-19.”

NHS staff are continuing to vaccinate Sefton residents according to national guidance on priority groups and anyone aged 30 and over can now book their jab through the national booking system.

There are several vaccination centres across Merseyside that anyone eligible can make appointments at, including nine pharmacies in Sefton based in Ainsdale, Bootle, Formby, Litherland, Seaforth, Southport and Waterloo.

First or second

When invited, people in Sefton will be able to book their first or second doses by calling 119 or visiting the national booking service website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

People 39 and under without underlying health conditions, as well as pregnant women, will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with recently updated JCVI guidance.

Next week’s meeting of Sefton Council’s Cabinet will discuss a proposal to grant Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Trust and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

A report to the meeting proposes the Council place on record its high appreciation of, and the debt of gratitude to the Trusts in the light of their hard work and dedication during the ‘devastation of the Covid 19 Pandemic’.

If agreed, the report will go forward to a future Full Council meeting and suggests organising a civic reception at an appropriate time for the two Trusts’ officers who have, the report says, ‘served Sefton Council and its residents tirelessly throughout the pandemic with hard work and dedication putting themselves at risk in ensuring the safety of others.’

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said:

“There can be no doubt that throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the staff of the Aintree and Liverpool University and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trusts have worked tirelessly. They have, selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the people of Sefton.

“These two organisations illustrate perfectly why the National Health Service is seen by most as the jewel in Britain’s crown and it would seem appropriate to mark their steadfast service by conferring the Honorary Freedom of the Borough on them.”

Conferring of the Freedom of the Borough upon an individual or service is the highest honour the Council can bestow. It gives the receiving organisation ‘the right, privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the Borough on all ceremonial occasions with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed’.

Previous organisation to have been granted Freedom of the Borough include RAF Woodvale, in 2011, and No. 238 (Sefton) Squadron, 156 Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport, in 1982. Individuals who have had the honour bestowed upon them include Jamie Carragher, in 2004, and Donald “Ginger” McCain in 2006.

Scrolls of Honorary Freemen and organisations awarded Freedom of Entry to the Borough are displayed in the Mayor’s Parlour at Bootle and Southport Town Halls. Honorary Freemen can also attend and take part in civic receptions and functions to which all Members of the Council are invited.

The costs of the scroll and reception for Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Trust and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust would be financed from the Mayoral Hospitality budget provision.

Next week’s Cabinet meeting takes place at 10am on Thursday 27^th May in The Ballroom at Bootle Town Hall.

Link to the Cabinet meeting details and agenda.