Agenda item

The Director of Public Health and Integrated Care Board submits a report updating the Commission on Covid-19 and Winter pressures, including vaccinations, infection rates and hospital admissions.

Members will be asked to note the contents of the report.

The Director of Public Health and Chief Executive of the Integrated Care Board presented the report to update on infection prevalence and vaccination uptake. It was noted that:

·       Regular testing of Covid-19 is no longer occurring as it was during the pandemic and the level of data in the community is therefore very different. Data is provided through hospital admissions and in social care settings so infection rates and trends can be tracked. ONS infection survey that was discontinued will commence again from November 2023 through to March 2024 so more sample data will be available.

·       Flu positivity rates remain stable. Through primary care surveillance on individuals presenting with influenza symptoms has seen a slight increase but not of concern. Admissions into emergency departments have remained stable nationally and locally.

·       Covid-19 activity has decreased over recent weeks. ICU admissions tend to lag behind, but infection has remained low and stable. There was an increase at the start of October, and there was some concern about variants but this has declined over the month and prevalence does not appear to be of concern.

·       It is expected that Covid-19 and flu rates may increase throughout winter but most people have had the Covid infection at least once and been vaccinated so are reasonably well protected.

·       Data illustrates that Leicester generally remains lower that other areas of the country and further information and data continues to be updated on the Council’s Open Data platform.

·       91 community pharmacies are supporting the vaccination programme and spread across the city, another 15 due to join and notification of a further 10 to join. 21 of the 26 Primary Care Networks, representing 82 practices are also delivering vaccines.

·       There is joint working between the ICB and Public Health to ensure as many people as possible are offered vaccines. Particularly reference was made to delivery in care home settings, housebound patients and inequity offer – especially learning disability patients and using a mobile vaccine units in areas with lower uptake.

·       There have been four confirmed measles cases in city over recent weeks residents have been contacted in areas where cases have been confirmed to advise of symptoms and offer vaccines. Public health officers have been working with the ICB and UKHSA who have primary responsibility for controlling disease. Measles is very contagious, but full (2 dose) vaccination is highly effective and provides life-long immunity. 79.2% children are vaccinated by age 5 but the target is 95% to achieve herd immunity.

In response to questions and comments from Members, it was noted that:

·       Barriers remain within different communities which prevents the uptake of vaccines, particularly communication, complacency, and confidence. Public Health and Health Partners continue to work with Members, Faith Councils, and other organisations to provide the right information.
The Deputy City Mayor for social care, health and community safety commended the approach that has been developed and established in care homes to ensure the vaccine programme secures higher uptake.

·       GPs are reviewing records and proactively contacting individuals that have not had the MMR vaccine and born after 1970. Those born before this date are highly likely to have been vaccinated or been exposed to the disease.

·       It was agreed that further information will be provided to Members detailing where vaccines can be accessed within wards across the city.

The Chair invited youth representatives to make comments and it was noted in response that:

·       Vulnerable individuals are those who have one or more of a list of identified conditions or receiving treatment that can suppress the immune system. GPs will contact individuals who are vulnerable to offer vaccines but it is the choice of the individual whether to accept. Higher uptake would be preferred amongst front-line staff in health and social care to protect vulnerable individuals.

AGREED:

·       The Commission noted the report.

·       The Commission be provided with additional information requested. 

·       The item to remain on the work programme for the Commission to be kept updated on Covid-19, flu and measles over the winter period.