COVID 19 vaccination programme in Bucks

Healthwatch Bucks wanted to hear about people’s experience having the COVID-19 vaccine and to learn why some might choose not to have it. They launched the survey on 3rd February 2021. This report summarises the feedback they received up until 31st March 2021. 3,456 people responded.

Overall, there was overwhelmingly positive feedback across a range of issues. This included a very high proportion of people who said:

• the process of getting the vaccine was excellent or good
• the information they had about the vaccination was excellent or good
• it was very easy or easy it was to get to the site
• they felt safe and protected at the site
• they were treated with respect at the site.

Many people felt grateful to the NHS and to have the vaccine.

About half of those said they were given information about how to get to the site. People who went to a local GP-led site were less likely to say they were given any information about how to get to the vaccination site.

Just under half were given information about what to expect. People who went to a local GP-led site were less likely to say they were given any information about what to expect at the vaccination site. However, more people rated the information about what to expect from GP-led sites as “excellent” compared to the other sites.

People who went to a pharmacy-led site were less likely to say they had an “excellent” or “good” experience.

People from BAME groups were more likely to say the vaccine information was “OK” or “poor” than people who said they were “White British”. However, 93% of people from BAME groups still said it was “excellent” or “good”.

We heard from people about what they would have liked to have known before they went for their vaccination or at the time. These included:

• the need to stay in car until the appointment time / don’t arrive too early
• the possible need to change face covering
• the time to read the information leaflets before the vaccination • whether/what identification is needed
• what support is available for the less mobile / disabled (eg disabled parking, chairs in the queue)
• if a carer/ support animal is allowed in with person being vaccinated
• to dress appropriately – to have the vaccination easily and for the weather outside (in case there’s a queue)
• not to worry if the vaccination card isn’t completed – there is a central record
• that different procedures may be in place for different vaccines or different sites
• reassurance that arrangements can be put in place for those with a phobia.

There was some positive feedback about the sort of reasonable adjustments that were made at some sites. A few people commented on some that were needed. These included:

• providing privacy and quiet spaces suitable chairs (with arms) / seating (outside if queues) • arrangements for deaf people or those with hearing loss
• (clearly signposted) toilet facilities
• support for people with phobias
• carers/relatives being allowed to accompany individuals as needed
• sites suitable for those who use wheelchairs/mobility scooters or who have restricted mobility

People who described themselves as clinically extremely vulnerable or in the 55 – 59 age group were also more likely to comment on issues about ‘What to expect on arrival’.

Healthwatch Bucks also heard from a smaller number of people who said they had decided not to have the vaccine. They gave a range of reasons why they had made this decision.

The report contains seven recommendations about better information, booking appointments and reasonable adjustments.