Agenda item

The CCGs submit two papers, which provide an update on the uptake of the flu vaccination programme 2020/21 with a focus on Leicester City and an update on the development of the National Covid-19 vaccination programme and progress across Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland.

The CCGs submitted two papers, which provided an update on the uptake of the flu vaccination programme 2020/21 with a focus on Leicester City and an update on the development of the National Covid-19 vaccination programme and progress across Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland.

In respect of the Flu Vaccination Programme the importance of maintaining a high vaccination coverage was highlighted, however the delivery of this year’s programme was more challenging because of the impact of Covid-19. 

The report provided an update on the uptake of the Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland flu vaccination programme 2020/21 with a focus on Leicester City, with data taken from the IMMFORM national database. It was noted that practice level data from IMMFORM could not be shared in the public domain due to licensing restrictions and this situation was being monitored.  Updates would be provided if and when available and appropriate to do so.

In respect of the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme the report provided an update on the development of the National Covid-19 vaccination programme and progress across Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland.

It was noted and recognised that the vaccination programme was extremely dynamic, and information would be updated as necessary in due course.  The report provided details of vaccination locations, priority groups, vaccine development and availability, spacing of doses, and delivery.

In terms of the next steps it was noted that Next Steps it was reported that a larger scale vaccination centre at the Peepul Centre was in progress and subject to regional and national sign off was due to go live in January 2021.  Other sites were being considered, including an additional Hospital Hub.  All would be subject to the strict requirements on infection control requirements, security, storage, and IT infrastructure.

In response to questions it was confirmed that the spacing of flu vaccinations and Covid vaccinations was currently one week, and the spacing between first and second Covid vaccinations was currently 3 months.  It was accepted that some people had received a second Covid dose, as this would have been arranged before the guidance was changed.

The initiative to launch a vaccination centre at the Peepul Centre was supported, and the need to encourage its use and monitor attendance was highlighted.

The Chair raised a point sent to him by a member of the public relating to predicted problems for individuals with residency, immigration or nationality issues who were not on GP lists.  It was also considered that those with mental health problems, the homeless and other vulnerable groups who would be in most need of the vaccine would not be referred. 

In response it was confirmed that GPs lists were being used as the primary process to offer vaccinations, however reassurance was provided that outreach work including liaison with Inclusion Health Care had been accelerated and updates could be provided at a later date.

The Vice-Chair also raised issues with the hard to reach communities and referred to negativity of the effectiveness of the vaccines being reported to him.  It was advised that greater liaison with community leaders and the use of popular social media platforms be improved.  In relation to people refusing vaccines, it was accepted that numbers and impacts would be better known as the programme developed and when trends could be assessed. 

It was noted that the need to meet the needs of BAME communities and an explanation of the granular detail of that support, including the availability of venues and facilities needed to be heightened.  It was suggested that the communication plans in the process be shared with Councillors and flexibility of the support be encouraged.

In terms of the national vaccination programme, it was confirmed that the city data was in accordance with national statistics and that the region had received a large quantity of vaccines compared to other areas.  The confusion in communities relating to which GPs were offering vaccines at locations was explained, it being noted that the locations were determined according to size and scale and that the delivery was not GP led, but was organised by the PCT.

In conclusion, the Chair referred to the need to monitor data and commented on the recent example of ‘test-and-trace’, where monitoring could only be achieved when data was available.  The importance of gathering information was emphasised and supported.

It was AGREED that: 

1)        The update and position be noted.

2)        The CCGs provide an update at the next meeting on how they are reaching those with immigration status issues, as part of the vaccination programme.

3)        The CCGs share the communications plans with Commission Members, for comment.