Stockport’s Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly, has reassured residents of the safety of the Oxford Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine as the town looks to mark a year since lockdown measures were first introduced in a National Day of Reflection.
Jennifer Connolly reiterated the findings of UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, that after a detailed review of trial data and hospital and GP records, there is no evidence to suggest the Covid-19 vaccine increases risk of blood clots.
Over 125,000 people across the borough have now received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, one year since a national lockdown was introduced to curb the virus’ spread. On Tuesday the town will observe a National Day of Reflection to remember those who have been affected by the coronavirus, as well as to celebrate how communities have come together in face of the challenges of lockdown.
In her statement, Director of Public Health in Stockport, Jennifer Connolly said:
On Tuesday we will be commemorating the National Day of Reflection which marks one year since the country was placed in lockdown. We know how challenging this year has been for so many people, especially those who have been bereaved, as well as those who have made enormous sacrifices in not seeing family and friends and in your working lives or child’s education. We have all had to pull together, but we need to keep going to help keep our loved ones and community safe.
The virus is still in circulation in Stockport with rates having increased and are now at *89 per 100,000 which means we are seeing around *37 new cases each day, which remains above the national average. It is testimony to the efforts that we have all adopted, that we are seeing our rates decline, and we must keep up these efforts to break the chains of transmission. The latest published data can be found here.
Even as we take steps on the roadmap of easing of restrictions, we must all still be careful and take responsibility for ourselves in maintaining behaviours to protect ourselves and others from transmitting the virus. Further information on the roadmap can be found here.
Unless we continue to take steps to stop the spread of the virus, we may continue to see a rise in cases, especially as the Kent variant, which now makes up 98% of cases in Stockport, is 50-70% more transmissible. So please continue with your social distancing (2 metres), wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces (unless exempt), regularly cleaning surfaces, washing and sterilising hands regularly and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated – this means having the windows open for at least 15/20 minute every hour. Also, please do continue to stay at home as much as possible and work from home if able. This will all help to keep you and others safe. Further information on reducing the risk of transmission can be found here.
Our vaccination programme is continuing to progress very well and we have now vaccinated more than 125,000 adults with their first doses in the borough and second doses will start to be administered shortly.
I also want to reassure you all about the safety of the vaccine. The UK regulator, the MHRA, have undertaken a rigorous scientific review of all the available data, which has confirmed that the available evidence does not suggest that blood clots in veins (venous thromboembolism) are caused by COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. This follows a detailed review of report cases as well as data from hospital admissions and GP records. This has been confirmed by the Government’s independent advisory group, the Commission on Human Medicines, whose expert scientists and clinicians have also reviewed the available data. If you want to read more about it, please see the latest MHRA statement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-regulator-confirms-that-people-should-continue-to-receive-the-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca
Getting a vaccine is key to keeping our borough safe, is effective at protecting you from the worst effects of the virus and reduces the chance of you becoming seriously unwell, so please do take up the offer from the NHS when you receive you are invited. If you are over 50, clinically extremely vulnerable, an eligible frontline health or social care worker, have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable) or are a main carer for someone at high risk from coronavirus , please call your GP to arrange an invitation or book though the national booking system by calling 119 or online here. We know that people will have questions about the vaccines that are currently available and this FAQ has been prepared to help to answer these queries here.
Key to breaking the chains of transmission is self-isolating. If you have a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a change or loss of smell/taste – however mild, stay at home and book a test via GOV.UK or by phoning 119. You and your household members must self-isolate while you await your results. If found positive, stay home for 10 days. Household members must stay at home for 10 days. Minimise transmission within your home by staggering use of the bathroom, giving each person their own towel, and keeping kitchens and bathrooms clean.
If told to self-isolate through the NHS Covid 19 app you must follow the instruction.However, we know this can be hard on one’s mental health and wellbeing and it’s difficult not to feel anxious or despondent, so please remember that if you’re finding things difficult right now, we have lots of offers of help and support, so please do reach out. We’ve listed them all here. For further information on how you might look after yourself, please visit our Health and Wellbeing pages or Healthy Stockport.
If you need support, the council’s Coronavirus helpline can be accessed on 0161 217 6046 from Monday – Thursday from 9.00am – 5pm and Friday from 9.00am – 4:30pm. If you’re deaf or have difficulty hearing, you can use our textphone on 07860 022 876. You can also find out more by visiting our helpline page.
*This is the latest figure for Stockport validated on 19.3.21.
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