| We’re on Target! |
 |
| The NHS in Sussex is on target to offer everyone over 18 the opportunity to get boosted before the end of the year. Nearly 1 million people have taken up the chance to protect themselves from COVID-19 and, in particular, the Omicron variant, by having three doses of the vaccine against the virus. 951,857 people have received their booster vaccination across Sussex and capacity is in place to vaccinate people as soon as they come forward On December 13 the Prime Minister brought forward the deadline to offer all adults the booster by the end of the year in response to the Omicron variant. In Sussex the NHS put on additional clinics for vaccination across the county including a 24 hour clinic in Crawley which vaccinated throughout the night and a Christmas Day clinic in Eastbourne which saw 220 people turn up to get their vaccine before their turkey. Record numbers of vaccinations have been delivered locally over recent weeks, with more than 100,000 set to be given this week alone. |
| Don’t delay! There is still time to get your vaccination before the New Year |
 |
| The NHS across Sussex has been working extremely hard over the festive period to not lose pace in providing people with a chance to get their covid vaccinations. With appointments still available, and a range of walk-in centres open across Sussex we are urging everyone who is eligible not to delay getting their COVID-19 vaccinations – whether it is your 1st, 2nd or booster vaccine. Locally, the number of people infected with Omicron needing hospital care is increasing and this is expected to continue over the coming weeks. Getting vaccinated is your best protection! If you want to book an appointment go online to the National Booking Service at www.NHS.uk/covid-vaccination For the latest list walk-in sessions available across Sussex, visit our website: Walk-in vaccination sessions – Sussex Health & Care Partnership (sussexhealthandcare.uk) If you attend a walk in session and still have a booked appointment, please make sure you cancel your appointment so it can be re-booked by someone else. |
| Family of six volunteer for Christmas Day vaccinations |
 |
| Chief Nurse, Allison Cannon, and her family volunteered on Christmas Day at a Sussex vaccination centres. Allison, who is Chief Nursing office at Sussex NHS Commissioners, was joined by her husband Mark and four children as they delayed the present opening to help as many eligible people as possible get their vaccination. The Cannon family were among hundreds of volunteers across the county who gave up their time to help with the vaccination programme across Sussex. |
| Let us know if you can’t make it |
| The number of local people living across Sussex getting their booster vaccinations has surged ahead of the New Year celebrations. But a large number of appointments are going to waste, leaving some people without the vital protection they need against the Omicron variant. The number of appointments available across local sites has increased significantly over the last two weeks, following the announcement that all adults are able to get their booster jab once they reach three months from the date of their second vaccine. Thousands of appointments have been booked for this week and more are available on the national booking system. Some sites also have walk-in sessions for those without appointments. However, so far in December over 35,000 booked appointments have gone to waste due to people not turning up. These could have been offered to other people who want to get their vaccination as soon as possible. Amy Galea, the Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in Sussex, said: “It great that more and more people are coming forward to get the potentially life-saving protection they need at this crucial time. We know the rates of Omicron are increasing all the time and the booster is the best protection for yourself and others. We would urge anyone who hasn’t already had their booster not to delay and come forward as soon as possible. “It is so important we make best use of all appointments available if you no longer need your appointment, as you got your jab earlier or have tested Covid positive, please remember to cancel the appointment, so that others are able to book.” To book a vaccination appointment go to the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. For information about the vaccination go to: COVID-19 vaccinations – Sussex Health & Care Partnership (sussexhealthandcare.uk) |