Servicemen and medics have been recruited as part of a series of measures designed to boost Covid-19 vaccination levels in pockets of Hertfordshire.

In Hertfordshire and West Essex, more than three million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have reportedly been administered.

More than 82% of the eligible population would now be vaccinated up to the booster level.

And the data suggests thousands of shots are being administered daily in Hertfordshire and West Essex.

The update is included in a report prepared for a joint meeting of the three Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Hertfordshire and West Essex on Thursday 27 January.

But despite the successes, he acknowledges that there are still “pockets” that are hard to reach.

Among the measures to boost vaccination, the report highlights a military operation – in conjunction with the Hertfordshire Community Trust (HCT) – where an articulated lorry was brought to Broxbourne.

It also highlights vaccination sessions at shopping malls, leisure centers and pharmacies in Harlow.

It points to groups being taken to surgeries in Watford so they can register and get their shots.

It highlights ‘significant’ funding that is being made available to Welwyn Hatfield to increase the use of vaccines.

And it highlights the work of “vaccine tracers” working with registered patients who they know are not yet vaccinated.

Following the meeting, Beverley Flowers – deputy CEO of Herts Valleys, West Essex and East and North Herts CCGs – said the uptake of vaccines in Hertfordshire was “really positive”.

“In Hertfordshire alone we have now delivered over 2.4 million doses of vaccine,” she said.

“In most districts, recall usage exceeds 80 percent. However, with Covid-19 still circulating in the community, it is essential that people are fully vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the risk of severe illness and debilitating Long Covid.

“Recent research shows that people who have not been vaccinated are up to eight times more likely to end up in hospital with Covid-19.”

She said “data and information” was used to encourage people to come forward, in areas and communities where turnout is lower.

And she highlighted the mobile unit at Brookfield Farm, Cheshunt, pop-up sessions and community events.

She also highlighted outreach work with religious leaders, homeless shelters, gypsy and traveler sites, college and university students, sports clubs and volunteer groups.

And they encouraged pregnant women to encourage getting vaccinated to protect themselves and their babies, “because they are particularly vulnerable to the risks of Covid-19”.

Data included in reports prepared for the meeting show that there continue to be differences in vaccination status and age groups.

Overall, 97% of over 70s were fully vaccinated and received a booster shot.

But in the 18-29 age group, the same levels are significantly lower – with 62.6% in the Herts Valleys region, 58% in East and North Herts and 53.6% in West Essex.

Data presented at the meeting also shows that the rates of NHS and social care staff having received two doses of the vaccine and a booster exceed 86%.

And it shows that 94.6% of NHS workers and social workers have had one or more strokes.

But it still suggests that more than 5% of NHS and social care workers are not vaccinated at all.

This is important because from April 1, vaccination will become a “condition of employment”.

And to have had two vaccines by the deadline, employees must have had the first by Thursday (February 3).

Following the joint meeting of Hertfordshire and West Essex CCGs, Beverley Flowers – Deputy Chief Executive of Herts Valleys, West Essex and East and North CCGs Herts – highlighted the support offered to NHS staff who are not yet vaccinated.

She said: “The NHS has always been clear that the life-saving Covid vaccination is the best protection against the virus, and although health and care staff are currently recommended to get vaccinated, this will soon become a legal obligation.

“The overwhelming majority of staff in NHS organizations have already had their second shot, and NHS employers will continue to support and encourage staff who have not yet been vaccinated to take up the offer of first and second doses. before April 1, when the regulations come into effect. in force.

“NHS workers are given one-on-one support and conversations to help ease their concerns.

“Our vaccination rate is increasing every day as we provide additional support to our staff to access the vaccine.”