It has been announced that clinicians in England are using more factors to help identify people who may be at higher risk from COVID-19. Over 800,000 adults will now be prioritised to receive a vaccine as part of the current vaccination cohorts.
The new system uses a combination of risk factors based on medical records, to assess whether somebody may be more vulnerable than was previously understood, helping clinicians provide a vaccination more quickly to them and ensuring patients can benefit from additional advice and support.
Those identified will be sent a letter from NHS England in the coming days explaining that their risk factors may help identify them as high clinical risk and that they are included within the support and advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable.
They will then be invited to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible if they haven’t already had the jab, and will be given advice on precautionary measures, including shielding where this is current advice. Their GPs are also being notified.
The current Government guidance is for those who are extremely vulnerable to continue to Shield and those newly identified as at risk to start shielding by staying at home at all times with exceptions of exercise and attending scheduled health appointments. This includes avoiding food shopping and visiting pharmacies.
Individuals who are registered should be able to book priority slots for food deliveries and should also contact their regular pharmacies for advice on deliveries. Clinically Extremely Vulnerable adults, including those newly added to the shielding list, who are not able to work from home are advised to inform their employer and not go to work.
Support available
In Derby, the Community Hub is here to assist all those in need during the pandemic but will prioritise those who have no family, friends, or neighbours to support them.
We are also requesting calls from ‘Good Neighbours’ who have some time during lockdown to assist the Hub with a variety of tasks, including distributing food parcels once or twice a week.
You can find out more about the Derby Community Hub, the support it provides and how you can help on the Council website Those who need support can call Derby Direct on 01332 640000. A text service is also available for Deaf people on 0777 4333412.
The line will open between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. There’s also a dedicated email at covidsupport@communityactionderby.org.uk.
Should there be any emergency care needs due to COVID-19, please call the emergency OOH Careline number on 01332 956606.
Cllr Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing said:
It is excellent news that we are able to more accurately identify those who are most at risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and provide those individuals with the guidance and support necessary. We hope this will go some way to offering greater protection for our most vulnerable citizens.
We do recognise that if you are identified as at risk that this could be a worrying or confusing time. Please do remember that there is plenty of support available for those who need it in Derby and to not feel alone – contact Derby’s Community Hub if you need help.
Remember, those who need support can call Derby Direct on 01332 640000. Text service for Deaf people: 0777 4333412.
As well as information regarding Derby’s Community Hub, you can also access information about mental health and wellbeing support available through the Council website.