People in the Midlands are being reminded that getting vaccinated remains the best defence against COVID-19 following the Government’s decision to move the country away from restrictions and towards personal responsibility.

Patients and visitors are also being reminded that despite the changes in the wider community, face masks will still be required among patients, staff and visitors across healthcare settings including GP practices and hospitals.

The NHS vaccination programme has proved pivotal in reducing the risk of severe infection and hospitalisations and the best step that people can take is to get vaccinated as we learn to live with the virus.

Those who are eligible can now use the NHS online walk-in finder to find the most convenient site to get their first, second dose or booster without an appointment. People who are eligible can also book an appointment at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.

Case rates, while decreasing are still high. Last week the numbers of new hospital admissions and inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 were 760 in the West Midlands and 409 in the East Midlands.

A recent UKHSA study of booster data estimated that booster jabs have prevented more than 105,000 hospitalisations from mid-December 2021 to 6 February 2022.

Previous infection with COVID-19 in unvaccinated individuals provides around 44% protection from becoming infected again. However, three doses of the vaccine increases this protection from being reinfected to around 71%.

NHS patient/visitor guidance remains in place for now pending a review across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected. This means that staff, patients and visitors will be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using masks/face coverings and other personal protection equipment.

Trish Thompson, Director of Primary Care and Public Health Commissioning at NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said:

“Vaccines remain the first line of defence against COVID-19 as the Government sets out the plans to live with and manage the virus.

“Despite the Omicron variant seeming milder, COVID is still a very serious illness affecting thousands of people’s lives every day. New research shows that the risk of death involving COVID-19 is 93% lower for those who have had a booster or third dose compared to those who are unvaccinated.

“Every dose of the vaccine you receive helps to build up your immunity against COVID-19 and significantly reduces the chance of becoming seriously unwell or dying.  If you turned down the offer of the vaccine some time ago, it’s okay to have a change of heart and come forward now. It is never too late for people to get their vaccine as it is an evergreen offer.

“It is important for everyone to continue to play their part when visiting NHS and care settings to help protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections. This is why face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.”

There will be a Spring 2022 booster programme where additional COVID-19 booster jabs will be offered to people aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed.

Over 21 million vaccinations have now been delivered in the Midlands including over 8.1 million first doses, 7.6 million second doses and 5.8 million booster and third doses.