Your Experiences of Vaccinations

We Heard

• Of those receiving vaccinations, 79.3% rated their experience as Excellent/Good, 7.6% as Average, and 2.5% as Poor/Very Poor.
• The most common aspects people felt would improve vaccinations were more than one vaccination at the same appointment (22.8%); easier to access locations (20.7%); and more flexible appointment times (17.1%). Over a third of respondents (38.3%) indicated nothing would make it easier to receive them.
• In 91 comments, people told us nothing about vaccinations needed to change.
• The aspects of vaccinations which people most felt were unclear were knowing who would perform the vaccination (36.7%); what would happen during the procedure (20.7%); and how to cancel/reschedule their appt (9.2%).

Respondents to our poll told us they would like to see:

More vaccination sites/better accessibility/longer operating hours (47 comments)

“Keeping appointment closer to home, I no longer drive a car, train fare is expensive, sometimes a bus journey is too circuitous.”

“More times early and late for working people.”

Increased opportunities for multiple vaccinations (especially COVID and Flu) to be delivered at a single appt and potentially by the same provider (20 comments)

“Option to receive more than one vaccination at the same time whilst not having to travel miles to the nearest vaccination point.”

“Having the different vaccinations all in the same place e.g. GP surgery. The last few vaccinations have been at GPs, different Pharmacies and at the Brighton race course.”

Improved information and communication about vaccinations (15 comments)

“A central digital record of my vaccinations, when they run out & a reminder to get boosters when applicable.“

“I had already booked a flu jab with the GP when I got an invitation for a Covid jab from the NHS. In the event I went to my GP Surgery for the flu and then, an hour later, walked to the local Church Hall for the Covid where I was also offered a flu jab!”

Improved booking processes and more flexible appointments (14 comments)

“It was impossible to book an appointment at my chosen pharmacy online as it said no appointments were available. I had to physically go to the pharmacy to book an appointment. There were lots of appointments available.”

“Booking portal will not allow 2 people to book a vaccination appointment with back to back times, to enable them to be dealt with at the same time. Dr’s surgery only booking appointments 2 weeks at a time. Not helpful.”

Upfront robust information on vaccines, including alternatives and side-effects (12 comments)

“I would like to know in advance which Covid vaccine I am going to be offered as I have had very bad reactions to most Covid vaccines.”

“Clear statistical information comparing having them to not having them.”

Next steps

As the public champion for local health and care services, Healthwatch East Sussex will continue to work in partnership with commissioners and providers to monitor the experiences of patients and the public in accessing health and care services locally and explore how ongoing improvements may be delivered.

We will also send it to East Sussex County Council, NHS Sussex, Healthwatch England and others to share this insight and encourage its incorporation into future initiatives.