11 March 2021

Thank you to everyone who has already protected themselves and others by having the Covid-19 vaccination.

Three quarters (76%) of you have been vaccinated which is fantastic. This figure includes both those who we have vaccinated through our centre at Hollins Park and those who have been vaccinated elsewhere.

As we have told you previously, there is increased pressure nationally to encourage all frontline health workers to have the vaccine in a bid to reduce cases of the virus as far as possible.

Acknowledging that, as healthcare professionals, you will want to do everything you can to protect people – even if you don’t feel at risk yourself, we are asking managers to have proactive, supportive conversations with all staff to understand if there’s anything more we can do to enable people to protect themselves.

Please be assured, we will not be sharing data with managers regarding which staff have or have not had the vaccine.

If you’re feeling hesitant, the FAQs on StaffZone provide answers to all sorts of questions: staffzone.nwbh.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine-faqs

One point we’d like to reiterate is in relation to the vaccine not affecting fertility. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have said there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will affect fertility. The RCOG have also published some Q&As for pregnant women.

Anyone who decides they would like the vaccine after a discussion with their manager has until Friday 26 March to book an appointment at our vaccination centre. After that, we will be unable to offer first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. You will, however, still be able to book an appointment at a local vaccination centre if you decide you would like it in the future.

Those attending first appointments between 15 and 26 March will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.

To book an appointment for your first vaccine, call 01925 664076. You will need to report to reception at Hollins Park House and bring your Trust ID badge and your NHS number to the appointment.

Second appointments

Second appointments for those vaccinated the week beginning 4 January start on Monday. If this includes you, please check when your appointment is and make sure you can attend. It’s vital people stick to their scheduled appointment wherever possible please.

Following the first dose, if you had a systemic allergic reaction (including immediate onset anaphylaxis), for example swelling of the throat, rapid breathing, low blood pressure or drowsiness, we are unable to provide your second vaccine at our vaccination centre. Instead, we will be able to refer you to Warrington Hospital for your second dose. This is to make sure those at any risk of a severe allergic reaction are in the safest setting.

If this affected you, please email vaccine.centre@nwbh.nhs.uk using the subject title ‘systemic allergic reaction’ with your name and phone number so we can refer you on to Warrington Hospital to arrange your second vaccine through their booking process.