Because the complications of having both flu and Covid in the population are unknown, the risk to overwhelming the NHS is significant and the symptoms of both have some similarities, there is a real need to ensure maximum uptake of the flu vaccine this year.
It is essential that as many as possible of the vulnerable members of our communities, as well as front line health and care staff, receive their vaccinations this flu season. For this reason there is a pilot programme to help take the pressure off GP surgeries, pharmacists and front line occupational health staff, by running 4 drive-through vaccination centres across Cornwall.
There is an urgent need for volunteers to help staff these centres at Stithians Showground, the Eden Project, and the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge, and another site in the East which will be confirmed in the coming days. Volunteers will meet and greet, check in, marshal patients around the site to the vaccination stations, and then check up post vaccine before people leave (it is recommended to stay on-site for 10 mins for post-vaccine recovery).
Vaccinations begin from 1 October for those aged 65+. The clinicians on site will perform the vaccinations and there will be on-site wellbeing facilities and all Covid safe procedures followed. There will be no close contact with patients and the work is outside in the fresh air.
The greatest need for volunteer support is on the sites, but there are also opportunities to volunteer in the call centre to take bookings for patients who do not have access/don’t use the internet. This will be Monday-Friday 8-1 in Truro.
If you have some spare time and might consider assisting with this essential service to protect our communities against winter flu please sign up here.
