Two years on... how we mobilised to fight Covid
But battle goes on even after all lockdown rules abandoned
THIS week marks two years since the unthinkable happened – a national lockdown after the outbreak of a worldwide pandemic.
Fear, uncertainty and loss dominated the following year until, at last, mass vaccination provided hope of a way out of our Covid nightmare.
One of the largest vaccination centres in the Black Country was set up at Tipton Sports Academy as staff begun the mammoth task of vaccinating the local population.
Since then a 140,000 lifesaving jabs have been administered at the centre – nearly 400 every day.
Now two years on from the first lockdown and 12 months on from the start of mass vaccination we’re in a position of relative normality, with all Covid measures having been scrapped by the Government.
Those who have Covid are no longer even legally required to isolate anymore.
A large proportion of the population have come forward for their first, second and booster jabs – though there are parts of the region where take-up is still significantly lower.
But the work is still ongoing, with spring booster jabs now being offered to over-75s and high-risk people in the ongoing battle to keep the virus at bay.
It comes amid rising Covid cases across the region, thought to be driven by the more infectious BA.2 Omicron variant.
Nena Mason, clinical lead at the centre, said: “I don’t think any of us thought we’d be here for a year. It’s been an amazing journey, right from setting up the centre, to catering for each of the cohorts.
“We started with protecting adults, then moved onto 12-17-year-olds and are now vaccinating those aged five to 11.
“It really has been a journey. Everyone
at the site wants to thank those from around the Sandwell borough who have come forward and had their vaccine with us.”
A variety of specialised clinics were set up to help make the process more comfortable, including a learning disability clinic, women-only sessions and a language interpreter clinic including British Sign Language. There have also been sessions for faith groups and health and social care workers.
Part of the site has also been transformed into a mini toy town to make getting vaccinated less daunting for children, including colourful shop fronts, road markings, a treasure hunt and toys.
Having a site the size of Tipton Sports Academy available has
proved crucial to getting such large numbers jabbed.
And the vaccine offer is still very much available for anyone who isn’t yet fully protected.
Sally Roberts, chief nursing officer for NHS Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group and local vaccination programme lead, said: “Having Tipton Sports Academy on board has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the number of jabs we’ve been able to deliver across the area. “I’d like to thank everyone involved including Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Sandwell Council, as well as everyone that has come forward for their vaccinations so far.
“Our offer of a vaccine is evergreen and I strongly encourage anyone who is due a dose to come forward.
“It’s never too late, your vaccine is waiting for you whether it’s for your first dose, second dose or booster.”
Louise Brown, clinical and operations Lead at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which runs the centre, added: “What a year it’s been since the vaccination centre opened its doors. I am immensely proud of our brilliant staff and volunteers many of whom have been with us since day one and dedicated to their role.
“A great deal of work went into setting the site up as a vaccination hub last year and it was really important to us that vaccines were available locally and in a convenient location for members of the public to access.”