Summoning for second vaccination program
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WQ.140/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
BY SENATOR S.C. FERGUSON
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON TUESDAY 6th APRIL 2021
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 13th APRIL 2021
Question
"Will the Minister advise whether any problems have been encountered with inviting specific groups to participate in the Covid-19 vaccination programme; and, where any such problems have occurred, will he provide an explanation of how such problems are identified, addressed, and communicated to Islanders?"
Answer
There are currently no concerns about the extent of take up within any priority group. The vaccination programme has seen a successful rate of vaccination – as illustrated in the table below – which has been facilitated through free, equal access for all.
Weekly estimate of coverage of first dose for each priority group as at 4 April 2021
Priority group | Cohort size | Number | Percentage |
PG1. Care home residents | 1,043 | 1,022 | 98% |
PG1. Carers working in care homes | 1,400 | 1,329 | 95% |
PG2. Front line health & social workers | 1,475 | 1,484 | ~100% |
PG2. Aged 80 years or over | 5,050* | 5,218 | ~100% |
PG2. Other health and social workers | 3,404 | 2,908 | 85% |
PG3. Aged 75 to 79 years | 3,260* | 3,162 | 97% |
PG4.Aged 70 to 74 years | 4,720* | 4,522 | 96% |
PG4. Clinically extremely vulnerable (high risk) 16 to 69 years | 2,184+ | 1,842 | 84% |
PG5. Aged 65 to 69 years | 5,430* | 4,914 | 90% |
PG6. Clinically at risk (moderate risk) | 9,146+# | 7,083 | 77% |
PG7. Aged 60 to 64 years | 6,500* | 6,158 | 95% |
PG8. Aged 55 to 59 years | 7,820* | 7,137 | 91% |
PG9. Aged 50 to 54 years | 8,490* | 6,997 | 82% |
Missing or incorrect information entered for a small number of vaccine recipients. Cross-matching against other sources to fill in gaps where possible. Approximately 300 recipients identified as PG1 are still awaiting coding.
Unstable population (movements in and out of homes or staff movements)
*Based on 2019 population estimate
Inconsistent population data as reliant on numerous data sources. Extra data sources have been requested +Number based on GP system (EMIS) report
#Information related to carers held separately to the EMIS data so potential for double counting
The Public Health intelligence team reports on the make-up of the COVID-19 vaccination programme twice weekly. This shows that 95% of carers working in care homes have had their first dose, and over 90% of those in all groups over the age of 55.
Since the start of the vaccination programme, efforts have been made to ensure all groups have been given support. This has helped secure the high levels of vaccinations we have seen.
The Connect Me service has been a vital part of the vaccine communications. Through the service, our communications team has had frequent meetings with different community sector groups to ensure Government is meeting the needs of all Islanders. Working with Connect Me has informed the communications approach and channels used. For example:
•All written communication to high- and moderate-risk Islanders was also produced in an Easy Read Information version for Islanders who find written information difficult. This was important because Learning Disabilities is one of the at-risk conditions identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Letters were also translated into different languages and circulated when requested.
•A walk-through video of the vaccination centre was filmed with the Government's Disability and Inclusion Officer to ensure Islanders with disabilities felt prepared when attending their vaccination appointment.
•Clocks from EyeCan were placed at the vaccination centre for Islanders with sight impairment.
•All leaflets with information about the vaccine have been translated into French, Polish, Portuguese, Bulgarian and Romanian and distributed via the Connect Me service to ensure they are reaching the right community groups. Also available on gov.je for download.
•All leaflets were created in Easy Read Information format for Islanders who find the written language difficult to understand. Also available on gov.je for download.
•Radio ads translated into different languages to support vaccine roll-out.
•Videos with information about the vaccine including appointments, moderate- and high-risk conditions and information on the vaccine were translated into British Sign Language.
•Videos filmed in various different languages featuring health and care workers explaining information about the vaccine and why they decided to have their vaccination.
•To ensure high levels of uptake with Healthcare Workers, we provided regular meetings with Healthcare Managers within the community care settings.
•Provided videos in various languages for Community and Hospital healthcare staff.
•Provided additional coaching events (led by behavioural scientists) for care home managers to support staff.
• For under 50s, working with the Jersey Farmers Union to communicate with agricultural workers.