Progression of over 70s vaccine programme in Nottinghamshire suspended due to 'bumpy' vaccine supply

Speaking at Friday’s Covid 19 briefing, Dr Andy Haynes, executive lead for Nottinghamshire’s Integrated Care System, said there were ‘some issues’ with the supply chain.

He also reported “disappointment” that Nottinghamshire’s vaccination rates were second to bottom in league tables but the area was making “huge progress.”

“We’ll reach our target by the end of the month, we are playing catch up, we were later to receive our vaccines,” he said.

"For the over 70s and 75s cohorts, we’d hoped to progress the programme, but supply of vaccine is a bit bumpy, so we’ve suspended that for the moment, and hope to clarify that situation in the next few days.

“Some over 70s may have already had letters offering vaccinations in Lincolnshire and Birmingham – for some people a 45-minute drive away - you are not forced to take them, a local vaccination will be available.”

This is how many people in Nottinghamshire have had the Covid vaccine so far

He appealed for the over 70s not to block phone lines. “We will get to you, there is vaccine coming,” he said.

“We’re having a massive push on vaccinations, all care home residents and staff should be vaccinated by Sunday evening.The 80 plus age range is on target for the end of January, all letters are sent and booking arrangements made for those who have not had a letter."

He appealed for people to encourage the over 80s to have jabs and help them book vaccines. Roving teams would target the housebound.

He also confirmed reports of issues for people with major anaphylaxis, allergic reaction –“those people are better getting the Astra Zeneca vaccine,” he said.

"We face the most significant situation the NHS has ever faced. It’s no hoax. There are twice as many people in hospital beds than in April. Our staff are tired and services are under pressure. We expect a peak in February."

Countywide there was a reduction in Covid rates in all age groups, still higher than before Christmas and 70 deaths a week in hospitals.

Alison Challenger head of Nottingham City Council said the ‘r’ rate (for county and city) were at 0.9 and 1.1

“Good indications but we must stay with the restriction and keep going,” she added.

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