With summer breaks under way, for some the first time since the pandemic struck in 2020, many doctors and scientists are urging that this is no time for complacency about Covid. With infections rising, autumn could bring more virulent strains on top of seasonal illnesses that could heighten pressure on the NHS. Waning vaccination immunity and the approaching winter are likely to create conditions for a further surge of infections later in 2022.
This week, Office of National Statistics data revealed that across the nation, 2.7 million people in private households are estimated to have had Covid-19 over the past week, up 18% from 2.3 million the previous week. Fortunately, in Rother infections are less than the national average.
A health minister has just suggested that certain Covid restrictions could be reintroduced if the rising number of infections impacts on NHS work to reduce the treatment backlog. However he stressed that current data do not point to cases becoming more severe. Opposition politicians have accused the government of having “been noticeably silent, perhaps being somewhat distracted”.
Meanwhile locally, there is guidance from Sussex NHS that anyone attending a clinical healthcare setting, such as out-patient departments, clinics and wards, including vaccination centres, should wear a mask.
Vaccination
In addition to being prepared to reimpose certain restrictions, the NHS is considering whether to extend the present programme that delivers second boosters for people aged 75 and above, residents in care homes and those with weakened immune systems, by reducing the age of eligibility for second boosters.
At the Rye Vaccination Centre booster jabs continue on most Thursday and Saturday afternoons, but with the contract due to expire in September. If the current programme is expanded then we are anticipating an extension of contract from September to perhaps March 2023.
Image Credits: UK Government graphic .