Friday 11 February 2022
 Case rates are slowly reducing across Devon but continue to be above the England average. Highest rates are observed across our younger age groups following by working age groups, however rates have continued to reduce.
In this update:
New fund launched to help businesses and local organisations
The funds are to help businesses and community organisations to:
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respond to the different trading environment, resulting from the coronavirus pandemic
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plan for future growth and development
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develop new products and services
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improve infrastructure
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assess the feasibility of future initiatives
The grants are to encourage the creation of new businesses and jobs, while safeguarding existing jobs.
Small and medium sized enterprises, including start-ups and social enterprises, can apply, as well as community organisations, including business/community groups, parish, town and district/borough councils.
Priority will be given to projects that support Devon's plans for recovery and growth, including support for community and business sectors hardest hit by the pandemic, such as tourism, hospitality, retail, food and drink.
Carers urged to come forward for vaccine
But her ability to provide care for her husband first requires her to look after herself. After all, if you're a carer and you're unwell, who's going to look after the person you're caring for?
The same is true with the COVID-19 vaccinations and booster. Taking precautions that help keep you safe, means you're well enough to help someone else. And any temporary side-effect of the jab is far outweighed by the benefit of not becoming seriously unwell with coronavirus.
As a carer, you’re eligible for priority treatment. The government has provided a letter for carers to take to their vaccination appointment. That means that you will be fast-tracked through any queue, so that you can return to your caring role as quickly as possible.
You can receive a copy of that letter from Devon Carers. Contact their helpline on 03456 434 435 or email info@devoncarers.org.uk.
If you need help to organise your vaccination, including arranging an appointment at a time to suit you, fast tracking your appointment to get you home more quickly or arranging transport so you can get there and back, please contact the Devon Vaccine Support Team by email or call 01752 398836.
New video reassures children and their parents about the vaccine
Two leading paediatricians have recorded a short video explaining that the paediatric dose of the vaccine, which has been approved by the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI), is safe, and that it is being used widely in this age group in other countries.
Eligible children include those with diabetes, immunosuppression, learning disabilities, and other conditions such as chronic heart or kidney conditions.
Featured in the video, Dr Corrine Hayes, says:
"Having the vaccine will help protect the most vulnerable children and their families from COVID-19. If you have any concerns, please talk to your GP or consultant, we're always happy to help."
And Dr Emily Chesshyre, says:
"I want to reassure children and their parents that this lower dose has been approved following a robust safety review and that many children elsewhere in the world have already been safely vaccinated."
Children who are eligible will be contacted by their GP or the local NHS inviting them to book an appointment. This group is not currently able to book through the national booking system.
Booster bookings open to severely immunosuppressed adults
This group includes people having treatment for conditions such as cancer, or those with long-term chronic conditions that put them at greater risk if they were to get coronavirus.
It’s a group previously invited to go for a third vaccination, to supplement their first and second jabs.
Now, those who had their third vaccination at least three months ago, are invited to come forward for their booster vaccination - their fourth jab.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS Medical Director, said:
"It is incredibly important that those who are most at risk from coronavirus continue to come forward for their doses whether it's a fourth dose or booster vaccine when their treatment allows. Getting the vaccine is the best way to prevent the likelihood of becoming seriously unwell from coronavirus, and is all the more important if you have a weakened immune system in helping ensure you are protected."
 Second COVID-19 vaccines doses for 12 to 15 year olds
School nursing teams are visiting schools over the coming weeks to offer second COVID-19 vaccine doses or first doses if still needed, to pupils, so look out for information from your school about the dates of their visit.
Like last time, parents or carers will be asked to give their consent to have the second dose.
Many 12 to 15 year olds in Devon have already had their first dose of the vaccine, either at their school or by attending a vaccination centre.
Remember though, second doses can only be given at least 12 weeks after the first dose or 12 weeks after a positive test result.
If your child is aged 12 to 15 years old and it's been longer than 12 weeks since their first dose, they can wait to have their second jab at school, or can attend a vaccination centre with or without an appointment.
New rules on COVID-19 testing for people travelling abroad
 Digital COVID Pass now available to children aged 12 to 15 years old
The NHS COVID Pass service is now available to 12 to15 year olds, accessible via NHS.UK for those aged 12 years old and over, and the NHS App for those aged 13 years old and over. This is an addition to the letter service via 119 that was launched in December last year.
Both the digital and letter NHS COVID Pass are widely accepted for international travel. It provides a record of all COVID-19 vaccinations received, with the COVID Pass showing evidence of recovery for 180 days following a positive test.
Make sure you check the entry requirements of the country you are visiting as requirements for testing and vaccination can vary from country to country.
Overseas vaccination validation clinic at Greendale
Some occasions require you to prove that you've been fully vaccinated under a vaccination programme with approved proof of certification. If you live in England, you can prove your vaccination status using the NHS COVID Pass.
The COVID-19 vaccination centre at Greendale, near Exeter, is now running special clinics for people who have had their coronavirus vaccine overseas, so that they can get the details validated and put onto their vaccination record here in the UK.
You can use the service if you:
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are aged 18 years old or over
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