However, it is now clear that this is only the case for those who have previously had covid or those who are vaccinated. Nationally, statistics show that 61% of those who are in an ICU bed have had no vaccination and of the remaining patients 90% have not had their booster. In light of this, the NHS is strongly urging everyone who has not had a booster or either of their first and second covid vaccinations to come forward now.
Rebecca Neno, Director of Covid and Influenza Vaccination Programmes, NHS Lincolnshire CCG, explains: “Across the country and in Lincolnshire, we are seeing the numbers of people with covid in our hospitals increase. This uplift in numbers is mostly amongst younger patients, many of whom are not fully vaccinated and, in some cases, have not been vaccinated at all.
“This is adding to the pressures that are being experienced by the NHS across Lincolnshire, and I would urge anyone who has not had either their first or second vaccinations or booster to come forward now – it is never too late to get vaccinated, and we continue to offer walk-in vaccinations at our two Mass Vaccination Centres (MVCs) at PRSA, Boston, and at the Lincolnshire Showground. Alternatively you can book an appointment at a vaccination site closer to you via the National Booking System.
“Due to the success of our booster campaign locally, we are temporarily changing the opening hours of our two MVCs at PRSA and the Lincolnshire Showground until 31st January 2022. From Tuesday 11th January the sites will operate from 2pm to 7.30pm weekdays and the hours at weekends remain unchanged from 8am until 7.30pm.
“This change does not, however, mean we are taking our foot off the pedal and it is still vitally important that people who are not fully vaccinated come forwards.”
There will also be a further round of ‘pop-up’ walk-in sessions this week – details below – whereby anyone eligible can get vaccinated without an appointment, whether that be a booster (18 and over, 16 and over if you have a health condition which puts you at high risk of getting seriously ill with covid) or for first and second doses (available to anyone aged 16 and over, as well as 12-15 year-olds provided a parent/guardian is present to consent):
- Tuesday 11th January at the Springfields Events and Conference Centre, Spalding, between 10am and 7pm, including boosters and first and second doses for anyone eligible including 12-15 year-olds provided a parent/guardian is present to consent.
- Wednesday 12th January at Wrangle Parish Hall, PE22 9EW, between 9.30am and 2.30pm, including boosters and first and second doses for anyone eligible including 12-15 year-olds provided a parent/guardian is present to consent.
- Wednesday 12th January at the Bud Robinson Community Centre, Lincoln, LN5 8QS, between 10am and 7pm, including boosters and first and second doses for anyone eligible including 12-15 year-olds provided a parent/guardian is present to consent.
- Thursday 13th January at the Engine Shed, Lincoln, between 10am and 7pm, including boosters and first and second doses for anyone eligible including 12-15 year-olds provided a parent/guardian is present to consent.
- Thursday 13 January at St Marys Church Hall, Market Place, Long Sutton, PE12 9JZ, between 1pm and 7pm, including boosters and first and second doses for anyone eligible including 12-15 year-olds provided a parent/guardian is present to consent.
- Friday 14th January at the Stamford Arts Centre, Stamford, PE9 2DL, between 10am and 7pm, including boosters and first and second doses for anyone eligible including 12-15 year-olds provided a parent/guardian is present to consent.
- Sunday 16th January at Stanhope Hall, Horncastle, LN9 6NF, between 10am and 4pm, including boosters and first and second doses for anyone eligible including 12-15 year-olds provided a parent/guardian is present to consent.
As they have been over the last year or so, our teams at all our vaccination sites are still here for you. There is currently plenty of availability for vaccinations either through booking or simply walking in. You can see our current availability by visiting our Grab a jab page or call 119
In addition to the ongoing booster programme, and the continuing ‘evergreen’ offer providing first and second doses to those who’ve not had them, the NHS is also very keen for immunosuppressed people who are eligible for their fourth dose, pregnant women and those who are ‘clinically vulnerable’ to come forwards.
Finally, locally, as nationally, there has been an increase in the number of people who have booked appointments and not turned up for them.
“We would urge anyone who cannot attend their pre-booked appointment to cancel as this will then allow the slot to be made available for someone else. Alternatively, if you have your appointment arranged with your GP surgery, please contact them to cancel it if you don’t need it/are going to rearrange,” concludes Rebecca.
For more information on where you can get your vaccination visit our Grab a jab page.
Published 10/01/2022