Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group

People in cohorts 1-9 encouraged to come forward for vaccine

People aged over 50, those classed as clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers are encouraged to book their covid-19 vaccination now.

As of 29 March, over 240,000 people have had their first vaccine in Sheffield, this is great news but there are still many eligible people who’ve yet to be vaccinated. NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging those people who’ve not yet had their vaccination to come forward. Everyone in the top nine priority groups is now eligible to book their first dose of the vaccine, if they haven’t already. If you are in an eligible group – meaning you are 50 or over, have a health condition that puts you at greater risk, or are a health or social care worker – and you haven’t booked your first dose yet, the time to do so is right now. It’s quick and simple to book at www.nhs. uk/covid-vaccination, by phoning 119, or by contacting your GP. Alun Windle, Chief Nurse and Covid Vaccination Lead at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “Since the start of the covid vaccination roll out, rates of hospitalisation due to covid is declining for all age groups. Public Health England data show that the risk of hospitalisation is reduced by 35 to 45% after one dose of either vaccine. This is great news and shows why it is so important to go for your vaccination when invited. With lockdown restrictions easing it is more important than ever that as many people as possible are vaccinated.” To give yourself the best protection and to protect those around you, you need to have both doses of a covid vaccine. Don’t skip your second dose, if you experienced side effects with your first vaccination please don’t let it put you off having your second. It’s important that you still return for your next appointment. You may experience side effects from your second dose but these are mild and will last for 2-3 days. If you don’t have both doses, this may put your health at risk and at risk of complications from covid if you catch it. You may not be protected until at least seven days after your second dose. Being vaccinated doesn’t protect you completely, but it is our best defence in our global fight against this pandemic. It’s important to remember that even if you have had two doses of a covid vaccine, you may still give covid to someone else so please continue to follow social distancing and lockdown guidance.