PRESS RELEASE: Healthwatch Brighton and Hove urges people to get vaccinated as staff and Board members affected by COVID-19

"I am currently self-isolating after my grandson tested positive for COVID-19. He had had a negative Lateral Flow Test the day before we saw him, so it seemed safe. He is 17, so not yet eligible for the vaccination, but is keen to get it when he turns 18 next month. But it was too late to prevent this dose of the virus.

Despite the increasing numbers of cases in the city, particularly amongst younger people, many are still not coming forward for their vaccination. The vaccination rollout, effectively led by our CCG and supported wonderfully by the NHS and volunteers, has been a true success story with over 90% of care home residents, those aged 70, and the clinically vulnerable in our city all being vaccinated. Over 80% of those aged 50 and over are also vaccinated. But the numbers are lower for those under 50 and 40. Fortunately, this is not translating into hospitalisations - showing how vaccination is breaking the link between getting the virus and becoming seriously ill.

It remains too easy to contract the virus and unwittingly spread it. I was only with my grandson a short period and because I am fully vaccinated, I am optimistic that I will either not get COVID, or symptoms will be mild. However, 10 days isolating, just when I was feeling able to have more face-to-face contact is a real nuisance; and it is a reminder that the virus is still very much with us and can be spread, no matter how careful we are. But we do have some choices and control - we can protect ourselves and those close to us, by getting vaccinated.”

"My 3-year-old granddaughter started showing potential COVID symptoms three days ago, following a farm trip with her grandmother. Fortunately, I am double vaccinated, as is my wife and both the child’s parents, and none of us so far are showing any symptoms. But it is a timely reminder of how easy it could be to pick up the virus from loved ones who cannot be vaccinated. Being vaccinated means that I am at low risk of hospitalisation or of transmitting the virus to others.
“We are currently waiting for the results of a COVID test on my granddaughter. Interesting that it has taken 3 days so far to be processed. Meanwhile I am out of action for anything other than online work. My wife, and both the child’s parents, are key workers working face to face with people in severe housing need, under 5yr Early Years, and children with BSL (British Sign Language) needs. The faster these test results can be processed the better to keep us all working and active.

The latest statistics for our city show that roughly 1 in 5 people are yet to be vaccinated. And around half of those aged 18-39 are unvaccinated, and yet cases are increasing amongst these age groups.

A Healthwatch report published in May indicated that 1 in 5 people who had yet to have their vaccination would not get one.

However, it is so easy – and quick – to get vaccinated. The vaccination itself takes minutes, but the positive benefits are huge. You can book easily via the National Booking System online, or by calling 119 free of charge. Our CCG is offering free walk in and mobile services across the city this week (see below). It really has never been so easy to get your vaccination, and doing so protects you, your family, and our city.”

"Having been double vaccinated two months ago I felt a bit safer about the chance of catching Covid. So it was worrying to feel very ill last week and subsequently test positive. My son had returned from university following two negative Lateral Flow Tests himself, and negative tests from his housemates. We knew it was still possible to get the virus, but we had all taken every precaution we could.

I am very thankful for my two vaccinations as I believe my illness would have been immeasurably worse without them. As lockdown eases it will make it more likely that we will come into contact with someone who hasn’t been vaccinated yet. Being vaccinated may not stop you catching it, but it could help reduce the impact on you. My son had wanted to get vaccinated but wasn’t offered it in time. He has since had his first vaccination and is encouraging his housemates and friends to get vaccinated too. I’d encourage all young people to do the same."