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Public Health Officials urge residents to get the maximum vaccine protection possible to protect against COVID-19

Coronavirus

05 November 2021

Rapid covid test

Public Health Officials are urging residents to get the maximum vaccine protection possible to protect against COVID-19 as a further 3,088 residents test positive this week.

It’s as easy as 'one, two, three'; get both jabs and make sure you get your booster if you are eligible.

Vaccines give high levels of protection but immunity reduces over time, particularly for older adults and at-risk groups. It’s vital that vulnerable people come forward to get their COVID-19 booster vaccine to top-up their defences and protect themselves this winter.

The latest evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) shows that protection against symptomatic coronavirus falls from 65%, up to three months after the second dose, to 45% six months after the second dose for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, and from 90% to 65% for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Protection against hospitalisation falls from 95% to 75% for Oxford/AstraZeneca and 99% to 90% for Pfizer/BioNTech.

Although the protection against severe disease remains high, a small change can generate a major shift in hospital admissions. For example, a change from 95% to 90% against hospitalisation would lead to doubling of admissions in those vaccinated. The booster programme is designed to top up this waning immunity.

Anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects (long COVID). The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.

Research has shown the vaccines help reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19, reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 and protect against COVID-19 variants.

The first dose should give you some protection from three or four weeks after you've had it. But you need two doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection. It’s also vital that vulnerable people come forward to get their COVID-19 booster vaccine to top-up their defences and protect themselves this winter.Lucy Wightman, Joint Director of Public Health, North and West Northamptonshire Councils

Booster vaccine doses are now available on the NHS for people most at risk from COVID-19 who have already had two doses of a vaccine. The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have one. If you have been contacted by the NHS to say that you are eligible for a booster dose, you can book your booster appointment online or visit your local drop-in service. If you have been contacted previously but have not yet booked your appointment, you're still eligible and can arrange your appointments any time. Visit the NHS website for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Alternatively, patients can call 119 or book via the National Booking Service.

This week's data surveillance report, an analysis of the county’s recent coronavirus cases and rates over the period 25 – 31 October 2021, shows:

  • 3,088 residents tested positive for COVID-19 this week. This is a decrease of 23% compared with previous week.
  • Northamptonshire’s infection rate per 100,000 population is 437.2, which is significantly higher than the national average (418.3).
  • The highest rates locally are Northampton (496.0) and Daventry (467.7).
  • Eleven people died within 28 days of a positive test.
  • Positive cases for both males and females aged 0 to 9 years increased rapidly since September but have now started to decrease.
  • The age group with the most positive cases for both males and females was predominately 10 to 19 year olds, followed by 40 to 49 year olds.
  • Over the last 4-week period the number of cases amongst people aged 60+ has plateaued but numbers remain high.
  • Overall, more women than men tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 28 days.
  • The latest data shows a total of 99 COVID-19 patients occupied hospital beds in Northamptonshire on 2 November 2021, which represents a 10% decrease when compared to the previous week (26 October 2021).

In order to have a brilliantly bright Bonfire Night the following Public Health advice has also been issued:

  • Wash and sanitise hands regularly.
  • Do not share bowls of crisps or individual sweets with those outside your household.
  • Wear a face covering in crowded areas.
  • Keep windows open if gathering indoors.
  • Stick to smaller groups where possible.
  • Make space for you and your household if in a crowd.
  • Stay at home if you're not feeling well or have any COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Continue to take lateral flow device (LFD) tests at least twice a week and before going out.