Vaccine milestone reached but vigilance still needed

EEAST’s in-house vaccination programme has reached a significant milestone with over 6,000 first doses administered – an excellent achievement from all involved.

This fantastic uptake means that 95 per cent of substantive staff are now vaccinated and plans are well advanced for the next phase of the programme with second doses of vaccine commencing on 15^th March 21. Further details are available on the Vaccine homepage on EAST24, and for those of you who had their first vaccine week commencing 11^th Jan 21 slots are now available on Evolve for booking your 2^nd vaccine.

By having the vaccine, you are helping to protect yourself, patients, colleagues, and your families. However, it is important we all remain vigilant with all the covid secure measures put in place during the pandemic. 

Covid is far from over, and as the country works through the roadmap out of lockdown there is a risk that the R number will increase. A rise in infection could affect the service we deliver to patients if we let our guard down and become complacent. Indeed, only this week the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, said that modelling suggests there is going to be a further surge in Covid-19.

The vaccine is an important measure to reduce the likelihood of infection, but all control measures are essential, especially compliance with the correct PPE and social distancing, which should still adhered to – no ifs or buts! Wearing the correct PPE will stop you having to be stood down and isolate for 10 days.

The Trust will continue with the Lateral Flow testing programme as we are regularly picking up asymptomatic cases two to three days earlier than symptoms develop. By taking part in this programme, you will stop COVID cases spreading and help in the fight against COVID. This is not just for frontline staff, and is open to all. It is not too late to take part, just ask you manager. Please continue your Lateral Flow testing even if you have had your COVID vaccination.

We continue to monitor and follow all the latest national guidance, and will communicate any changes to you as soon as we have them.

Thursday 11 March 2021