General Covid 19 news

[SteveH]

Vaccination saves lives: new toolkit to help employers encourage employees get Covid-19 vaccine

THE Welsh Government is encouraging employers to do all they can to support their workforce to get vaccinated.

A new toolkit is today being launched to support businesses and organisations to help their workers get the Covid-19 vaccine.

Wales has some of the best vaccination rates in the world - incredible progress has been made over the last seven months as more than three-quarters of adults have completed the two-dose course.

Vaccination has helped to weakened the link between coronavirus infections and serious illness and hospital admissions. But there is a risk that more people could fall seriously ill if rates of vaccination do not increase further as the delta variant continues to spread in Wales and the rest of the UK.

Ministers have said that it is never too late to take up the offer of vaccination in Wales.

Be as flexible as possible when it’s time for staff to have a vaccine, this could include giving employees paid time off work to attend their appointments for both vaccine doses;

Use the campaign resources provided by the Welsh Government to run an awareness campaign in their organisation and provide employees with access to reliable and accurate information about the vaccine;

Share the Q&A document and expert advice videos to explain the vaccine and answer common questions employees may have;

Urge staff to be cautious about misinformation and encourage them to use trusted sources like phw.nhs.wales if they are searching for information or answers to questions about the vaccine;

Create employee vaccine champions by encouraging staff to discuss their experiences and share information with colleagues, family and friends.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19468266.vaccination-saves-lives-new-toolkit-help-employers-encourage-employees-get-covid-19-vaccine/

[SteveH]

Covid: Alert over inaccurate thermometers bought in UK

There has been a rise in the sale of unreliable infrared thermometers in the UK, say regulators who are advising people to check before they buy.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says the Covid pandemic has created demand for devices that screen for a raised temperature.

Accurate ones should carry a CE or UKCA mark, it advises.

But people should also be aware that temperature screening is not a reliable way to detect Covid.

Anyone who thinks they may be infected should have a swab test.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57982479

[SteveH]

Young people in Wales about to turn 18 are being invited to have first jabs of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Doses are to be offered to those aged from 17 years and 9 months.

It is hoped the move will protect young adults on the verge of entering the workplace – or who are about to start university in the autumn.

This should ensure a good uptake of the vaccine in newly-turned 18 year-olds as they become more mobile and more independent, said Gill Richardson, Wales’ deputy chief medical officer for vaccines.

The Welsh Government acted following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Ms Richardson said the move was the “first step” towards delivering vaccines to children and young people.

“We will move quickly to vaccinate those aged 12-17 who fall into the categories outlined by the recent JCVI guidance on vaccinating children,” she said.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/under-18s-wales-invited-covid-21179598?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

[SteveH]

Young people will be offered discounted takeaways and taxi rides to get their Covid jabs in a bid to boost vaccine uptake, the government has said.

Food delivery and taxi-hailing firms including Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims will offer incentives to people to get vaccinated.

The Department of Health said details on more partnerships would be released "in due course".

More than 68% of 18 to 29-year-olds in England have had a first jab.

More than 72% of UK adults have had two doses so far, while 88.5% have had one.

Ride hailing firm Uber will send reminders to all users in August urging them to get vaccinated - and will offer discounted rides and meals on its Uber Eats platform for young people who have the vaccine.

Bolt, another taxi app firm, will offer "free ride credit" to vaccination centres, while food delivery firm Deliveroo will give vouchers to young people who get vaccinated.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58044088

[SteveH]

It would now appear from local rumour's that if you want a vaccine jab, you have to go to Rhyl or Bangor, which does seem a negative action, considering the importance of getting people to come forward for vaccines, especially for the 3T area.

VACCINATIONS have now come to an end at Llandudno's Ysbyty Enfys.

Venue Cymru was transformed into a rainbow hospital in response to the pandemic.

Posting on Facebook, Venue Cymru wrote: "It has been a privilege to be a part of the vaccine roll out and to work alongside the fantastic NHS team............."We wish them all the best in their continued efforts."

“We have plans in place to continue to provide vaccination through our network of Local Vaccination Centres (LVCs) after these dates, and I want to provide an assurance that the speed and safety of the Covid-19 vaccination rollout will not be compromised.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19490035.llandudnos-venue-cymru-carried-last-covid-19-vaccine/


Both these stories slightly contradict themselves.......................

Plans for Covid-19 booster campaign and who will be invited             
ABOUT 85 per cent of eligible adults in North Wales have either been fully vaccinated, or are booked in for their second dose in the coming weeks.

More than three quarters of people aged between 18-39 have had a first dose of the vaccine.

Gill Harris, executive director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: "We are working very hard to encourage further uptake among this group.

"Having both jabs reduces your chances of hospitalisation with Covid-19 by over 90 per cent, while protecting you from the debilitating effects of long-Covid. Proof of vaccination is increasingly likely to be required to travel on holiday abroad and attend nightclubs, large festivals, concerts and sporting events –

Full details https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19489808.plans-covid-19-booster-campaign-will-invited/

[SteveH]

Update on above.........

FB reporting Vaccines available in Llandudno at ............

Argyll Road Health Clinic
Argyll Road, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1DF
Tel: 01492 862025

[Hugo]

I read this sad article in the paper today and it's a tragedy that may have been avoided.      Let's hope that we don't have many incidents like this happening and people of all ages get vaccinated



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/superfit-dad-42-died-covid-21232109

[SteveH]

WALES has scrapped most of its Covid restrictions as the country is set the enter Alert Level Zero this weekend, but some protections will remain in place.

The Welsh Government confirmed that the changes will come into force on August 7, following the latest three-week review on coronavirus regulations.

This means that all restrictions on meeting with others will be removed and all businesses will be able to open.

The rules on face coverings have also changed.

From August 7 at 6am, face coverings will not be a legal requirement in hospitality settings where food and drink is served.

However they are still required in most indoor places in Wales, including on public transport, in shops and in healthcare settings. There will be exemptions for people who cannot wear them, as there are currently.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Moving to alert level zero is another significant step forward for us all. For the first time since the pandemic started, all businesses will be able to open and all legal limits on meeting people in indoor private spaces will be removed.

“Alert level zero does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all. But it does mean we can all enjoy more freedoms with the confidence there are still important protections in place to make sure our public health is being safeguarded while we are out and about."

He went on to say: “Continue to keep our distance when we are out and work from home whenever we can. Wear a face mask, especially in crowded places, on public transport, in shops and in health and social care settings.

“Taking responsibility and working together means we can all do the things we’ve missed the most. We’ve all got a reason to keep Wales safe.”

[SteveH]

Update on above.........

FB reporting Vaccines available in Llandudno at ............

Argyll Road Health Clinic
Argyll Road, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1DF
Tel: 01492 862025

I wonder what they will do for mass vaccination centers, after closing VC ?

NORTH Wales will start their plans to help top up people’s COVID protection with a booster jab in the early autumn.

Mark Drakeford told the Leader at a press conference in Cardiff how it will be another huge effort from the health service to deliver extra safety against the virus ahead of the winter months – when it is known to spread more easily.

Wales has so far had an incredibly successful vaccination programme – credited as one of the best in the UK.

He explained how Wales will soon be launching its booster campaign for the most vulnerable in our communities who were first jabbed several months ago.

He said: “Plans are in from every health board in the country. We are waiting for the final advice from the JCVI.


cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19497218.covid-booster-plans-already-in-place-across-wales-ahead-winter-months/

[SteveH]

A man who lost three family members to Covid within seven days claimed they had not been vaccinated as they all been scared by anti-vaccination misinformation.

Francis Goncalves, who lives in Cardiff, is mourning the loss of his brother Shaul, 40, father Basil, 73, and mother Charmagne, 65.

They all started to feel unwell on the weekend of July 10, a few days after having a meal together, and within two weeks they had all passed away.

Francis said his family, who were in Portugal, did not get their coronavirus vaccines because they had been put off by “propaganda” put out by anti-vaccination campaigners.

He hopes sharing his story will save lives by encouraging others to have their jabs rather than be put off by conspiracy theorists.

“They got caught up in a lot of the anti-vaccination propaganda that’s going around,” Francis said.

“It preys on people who are afraid and they fall into the trap.                     refDP

[SteveH]

Latest vaccine update for North Wales issued by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board

full article  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19505658.latest-vaccine-update-north-wales-issued-betsi-cadwaladr-health-board/


PEOPLE across North Wales are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccine to avoid regret and serious illness.
Please remember that if you turned down the vaccine when it was first offered, it’s not too late to change your mind. It’s quick and easy to book in advance using the online booking service or attend one of the walk in sessions.

[SteveH]

Covid: What do under-30s need to know about the vaccine?

Everyone aged 16 and over in the UK can now receive the Covid vaccine.

Until now the UK has stopped short of vaccinating under-18s, except over-12s with underlying conditions, or those living with others at high risk.

What are the plans for vaccinating teenagers?
Those aged 16 and 17 are being offered a first dose. It has not yet been decided whether or when they will be offered a second.

There are an estimated 1.4 million people in this age group. NHS England says that nearly 16,000 have now received the vaccine.

There are currently no plans to offer the jab to healthy 12-15-year-olds in the UK.

cont   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57273875

[SteveH]

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is recruiting additional vaccination staff ahead of a booster programme, which will begin next month.

The North Wales health board has a number of opportunities available for vaccinators and vaccination administrators to work in clinics across the region on a fixed term basis until the end of March 2022.

Those interested are invited to join an e-recruitment event, which is being held on Monday 23 August via Microsoft Teams.
The virtual event will provide an opportunity to speak to staff involved in the programme and find out what it’s like to work in the health board’s vaccination centres.

Following the event, attendees will be invited to apply online, with interviews held the following week. There will be a fast-track recruitment process will ensure new staff can be deployed quickly.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should be given to those who are most vulnerable to serious infection, as there is a likelihood that the immunity provided from having two doses could reduce over time.

Based on the JCVI’s interim advice, BCUHB is planning to offer a booster dose to the following groups of people, as part of a two-stage process:

Stage One:
Adults aged 16 and over who are immunosuppressed
Those living in residential care homes for older adults
All adults aged 70 years or over
Adults aged 16 years and over who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable
Frontline health and social care workers

Stage Two:
All adults aged 50 years and over
Adults aged 16-49 year who are in an influenza or COVID-19 at-risk group
Adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

There is no need for people in these groups to contact the health board as they will be contacted directly when it is their turn.

To book onto the vaccination e-recruitment event, click here.  https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/MassVaccinationCentreRecruitmentDay@nhswales365.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ Choose a

preferred session (morning or afternoon) and fill out your details. A reminder and a link to access the event on Microsoft Teams will be sent closer to the time.

[SteveH]

MORE than one million Covid-19 vaccinations have now been given to people living or working in North Wales.

The significant milestone was reached this week, nine months after the vaccination programme started in December 2020.

About 98 per cent of these jabs have been given by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) staff and primary care partners, with the remainder given in England, or other counties in Wales.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19526662.one-million-covid-19-jabs-given-people-north-wales/

[SteveH]

Coronavirus experts have revealed the five most common Covid symptoms reported among Brits over the past 30 days. ref Pioneer

Professor Tim Spector, from King's College London is the Principal Investigator of the PREDICT studies and the ZOE Covid Symptom Study app.
He has previously warned Brits that they need to be aware of additional symptoms not listed by the NHS.

People log their daily symptoms on the app to help scientists gain a better understanding of the virus.
Five most common Covid symptoms this month

A runny nose
A headache
A loss of smell
Sneezing
A sore throat

Professor Tim Spector has advised people across the UK to keep these symptoms in mind and to keep your distance from people if you are displaying the symptoms.
He said: "Cases are likely to remain high for the next few weeks or even possibly months.

“Even if you've been double vaccinated it's really important you watch out for any new symptoms because we can see the longer it goes from your time of vaccination the less effective these vaccines are."

Covid warning to older age groups
Prof Spector warned Covid vaccines may be losing their effectiveness over time as infection rates in older age groups who received their jab some time ago a seeing a slight rise in infection.

"It looks like the younger ages are dropping slightly and the older ages seem to be increasing slightly,” he said.

“The older ages generally are the fully vaccinated groups.

"While vaccines aren't working as well as we hoped in terms of stopping infections that are working in stopping severe infections and hospitalisations.