Agenda item

Cheryl Rehal, Acting Head of Primary Care, Bromley – SEL CCG (“Acting Head of Primary Care”) provided an update on vaccination uptake in Bromley.

The Acting Head of Primary Care informed Members that the COVID-19 vaccination services had commenced in December 2020, and since then over 500,000 vaccinations had been delivered in the borough. Currently, both bookable and walk-in services were operating from 12 sites across Bromley, offering first, second and third doses, and multiple satellites and pop-up clinics had been held over the last 15 months. Engagement events, information sharing sessions and clinical conversations had been offered to support questions and assist with individual needs. Visits were undertaken to vaccinate over 6,000 housebound patients and care home residents, and co-administration with the flu vaccine had been offered wherever possible during the 2021/22 season. The Schools Vaccination Programme had delivered almost 5,000 vaccinations for 12–15-year-olds in 37 schools across the borough, including special schools. The Acting Head of Primary Care advised that since the last update was provided to the Health and Wellbeing Board, four new pharmacies had become vaccination sites – the benefits and trusted nature of community pharmacies was recognised, and they also provided a sustainable and accessible walk-in offer for residents. A Member highlighted the need for a list of the facilities available at the community pharmacies to be publicised. The Acting Head of Primary Care said that the facilities available varied from site to site and this feedback would be provided to the team. It was noted that in regard to the sites used to deliver the vaccine to people with Learning Disabilities, a lot of thought had been given to the location and range of needs.

Board Members were advised that, in terms of the universal offer, anyone aged over 16 was eligible for a primary course of two doses, and a booster dose. Individuals who were severely immunosuppressed were eligible for a primary course of three doses, and a booster dose. For children and young people, 12–15-year-olds were eligible for two doses, 12 weeks apart, and 5–11-year-olds with underlying health conditions would be offered a first dose, with a second dose offered at 12 weeks. Vaccination was mandatory for care home staff and visiting professionals – this was due to become mandatory for health and care staff with direct patient or service user contact from 1^st April 2022, however it was noted that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care had recently announced that this was to be reviewed, and the outcome was awaited. In response to a question, the Acting Head of Primary Care advised that a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination was not a requirement of employment for care home staff, however it was expected that uptake would be encouraged. The Director of Public Health said that webinars had also been held for those staff that were hesitant about getting the vaccine, and this would continue to be an open-ended offer.

The Acting Head of Primary Care advised that uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination in the borough was positive – 92.8% of those eligible in the 50 years+ cohort had received their booster dose, and 71.2% of those aged 18-49 years. The Acting Head of Primary Care noted that there was a CCG campaign to target 16–17-year-olds in a vibrant way, through the use of social media, to increase the uptake of the vaccination within this cohort. With regards to the flu vaccine, it was highlighted that uptake in Bromley was above the London average for all eligible cohorts. The Acting Head of Primary Care noted that the circulation of flu had not been as prevalent within the population as anticipated, but they would continue to support the offer of flu clinics.

Activities to address inequalities in the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine included the establishment of the Inequalities in Vaccination Taskforce, which was commissioned by the Bromley Borough Based Director for SEL CCG and the Chief Executive of the London Borough of Bromley. Its aim was to draw together existing workstreams across the Borough, analyse data and evidence on uptake, and develop and test innovative methods of addressing vaccine hesitancy through a programme of work. The group included leadership and representation from Local Authority, CCG, Public Health communications teams, and other One Bromley partners. The Inequalities Plan included forthcoming work to continue outreach vaccination services, engagement with young adults, people affected by the mandatory vaccination regulations, and to launch the One Bromley Community Champion Scheme. Activities to address inequalities had included:

-  A helpline for health and social care staff established;

-  weekend clinics held at Al-Emaan Mosque, Keston;

-  a working group to improve uptake in people with Learning Disability;

-  targeted pop-up clinics in areas of low uptake;

-  roving vaccinations for homeless people;

-  individual and small group support for staff in health and care settings;

-  Information Pod located in The Glades;

-  door-knocking initiative;

-  leafleting in collaboration with local businesses; and

-  clinics held at popular sports facilities.

Board Members were advised that a culturally specific wellbeing package (Better Health Support) had been established for ethnic minority staff, delivered by ethnic minority staff. This was designed to address the needs of Bromley health and care staff who were vaccine hesitant and engage them in ways that addressed individual concerns – it aimed to provide culturally sensitive support in a non-judgemental way to support vaccine uptake and ensure staff wellbeing.

In response to a question from the Vice-Chairman, the Acting Head of Primary Care said that they had worked closely with Ward Councillors to identify areas of low uptake. Over the summer they had carried out a targeted leafletting and door knocking campaigns, as appropriate for residents. During the upcoming school half term a concerted effort would be made in Mottingham – clinics would be held in the local Community Centre with activities run to entertain younger children whilst older children and adults received their vaccinations.

The Chairman extended thanks of behalf of the Board to the Acting Head of Primary Care, and her team, for all of the work undertaken to deliver the vaccination programmes across the borough and for the regular updates provided.

RESOLVED that the update be noted.