By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
More than 100 people are currently battling Covid-19 in Nottinghamshire’s hospitals – the majority of which are now in their 30s and 40s.
NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group said there has been a major shift in the age of those presenting as seriously ill at hospital.
This also includes pregnant women who are susceptible to the Delta variant.
Public Health Nottingham have warned locals not to let their guard down as cases continue to rise across the city, with 1,260 positive cases in the last seven days.
Covid has also claimed the lives of seven people in the week ending August 11 compared to 13 deaths the week before.
Amanda Sullivan, accountable officer for the CCG, spoke at an Outbreak and Control Engagement Board meeting on Friday, August 13.
She said: “When we looked at people who were in hospital and needed intensive care it was really stark.
“The vast majority had not been vaccinated at all, like 95 per cent. The chances of becoming seriously ill are very strongly linked with if you haven’t had a vaccine. That is clear.
“The age profile has changed. The average age in hospital are people in their 30s and 40s who have not been vaccinated. We are not seeing that older profile. It is a very different profile to previously.”
Dr Sullivan is also encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated, with the CCG working with midwives to get the message across.
She said some pregnant woman had become ‘seriously ill’ but the exact number was not divulged.
“Pregnancy should be a happy time. We would encourage pregnant women to have a vaccine at any stage of the pregnancy,” she added.
From August 10, 131 people are currently in hospital with Covid-19 compared to 137 the week before. Twenty-two need ventilation.
Cllr Sally Longford (Lab), who chairs the Outbreak and Control Engagement Board, said: “It is no longer an illness of the elderly. These young people need to know as soon as possible.
“We are not talking about great grandma or grandad, we are talking about mum and dad. We need to protect our families from that tragic loss. While the number of deaths is relatively low it is creeping up.”
Lucy Hubber, Public Health director for Nottingham, said the “case rate is still high” and that people still need to be taking the virus seriously.
This includes wearing face masks, washing hands, and regular testing.
“Getting vaccinated is the most important thing you can do now,” she added.
