Staff across BSW ICS working together to give Covid and flu vaccinations

People working at partner organisations that make up the BSW Integrated Care System (BSW ICS) and volunteers from the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector are busy working together to give Covid and flu vaccinations to people living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Staff from general practice, pharmacies, our three acute hospitals, our three local authorities, social care services, private providers, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, local volunteers and local Patient Participation Groups are all involved.

Each of the vaccines provides an added layer of protection against Covid and flu, both of which are expected to become more prevalent as temperatures drops and people spend more time indoors.

The vaccination drive will help around 380,000 people receive Covid jabs over the coming months.

As well as helping to keep people in BSW fit and well, the successful delivery of vaccines to thousands of people will also help to reduce pressure on A&E services, hospital beds, walk in centres, GP surgeries and other clinical settings during busy winter months. 

Covid vaccinations are being made available in large vaccination centres in Bath, Salisbury and Swindon, GP surgeries, pharmacies and care homes. They will also be available in special pop-up clinics in locations such as football grounds, pubs, community centres and places of worship set up specifically to target members of communities at risk of missing out on a vaccine

Flu vaccinations are available at GP practices as well as independent high street locations, such as a chemist or large supermarket.

The vaccination drive is also being supported by an army of volunteers and local VCSE organisations are providing crucial support in areas including driving people to appointments, car parking and marshalling .

Alex Goddard, BSW ICB’s Clinical Lead for the Vaccination Programme said the drive to ensure those who are eligible receive vaccinations was a truly joint effort.

“This is real partnership working in action. We work with multiple ICS partners and volunteers to make sure every person, whether they are in a care home, mental health ward or live on a canal boat, receives a vaccination.  We work with everybody to make sure we don’t leave anybody behind.”