At this week’s meeting with the Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the three main topics were: the safety of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine; developments at Etchingham; vaccine supply and the next cohorts; the over 50s; and routine or non Covid-19 medical treatment.
Continue with Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine
We asked the CCG about the reports that in parts of the EU there have been some events of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or thrombocytopenia and of pulmonary embolism reported (in early March) by some of those given the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The NHS advises that “the number is lower than they would expect to occur naturally in a general population of the size who have received the vaccine”.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have said that there does not seem to be an increased risk of blood clots with the vaccine and have advised that vaccinations should continue. The WHO’s chief scientist, said, “We do not want people to panic, and we would, for the time being, recommend that countries continue vaccinating with AstraZeneca … So far, we do not find an association between these events and the vaccine.”
The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said that “We are working closely with international counterparts to understand the global safety experience of Covid-19 vaccines and on the rapid sharing of safety data and reports. People should still go and get their Covid-19 vaccine when asked to do so. Vaccination saves lives”.
There are now urgent reviews of the safety data of more than 17 million people vaccinated in the European Union (EU) and UK with Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccine to consider the evidence of any increased risk of blood clots, in any defined age group, gender, batch or in any particular country. The NHS is expected to publish fresh advice shortly once work has been completed. Meanwhile, the NHS advice is for those with concerns to contact their GP surgery. The Health Secretary urged people to “listen to the regulators” and to “get the jab” as soon as they got the opportunity.
Etchingham centre
Last week the Etchingham vaccination centre was short of vaccine because of disruption of national supplies. Many centres were affected. This week the programme has restarted for the over 50s. It remains unclear what the long term impact of the Etchingham school returning has on the centre, but given that only around 25% of vaccinations (around half of the first vaccinations and the remainder of second vaccinations) are to go, future arrangements there remain under consideration.
We also discussed people who are away from their homes for bona fide reasons. The CCG advised that if patients need to make a temporary registration at a surgery to ensure that they are vaccinated then they should do so. In addition, if patients miss their vaccine appointments for whatever reason, or initially turn down the offer and decide later to take it up then they can make the arrangements through their GP surgery. The NHS emphasises that no one will be refused the vaccine. Any individual difficulties can be resolved through Healthwatch as below.
 Healthwatch can handle complaints
At the same meeting, Sussex Healthwatch advised that the NHS is working hard “to reopen for normal business”. Elective and routine treatments are being offered again in all hospitals. Outpatient clinics are restarting either face to face or virtually. GP surgeries should be available for routine appointments and tests.
Several local people this week have just had a positive experience with recent non Covid-19 appointments, but we know of others who have complained of difficulties. Healthwatch advises that where there are particular difficulties they can help, either by telephone – 0333 101 4007 – or by E Mail to their website or directly via enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk .
Healthwatch is keen to hear of any problems so that they can have them addressed by the relevant part of the NHS.
Image Credits: NHS England .