Macclesfield: our area's NHS have been commended for dispelling myths about the coronavirus jab.

NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are said to be delighted that their its Spreading the Vaccine Not the Virus work to promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence among marginalised, vulnerable and vaccine-hesitant communities has been shortlisted for NHS Communications Initiative of the Year at the HSJ Awards 2021.

Despite the demanding circumstances of the past 18 months, more than 1,000 entries were received for this year's HSJ Awards, with 205 organisations, projects and individuals making it to the final shortlist.

The volume and standards of applications has been a true testament to those health and social care staff, who continue to push outstanding work and transformational projects across the sector.

The judging panel was made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community.

Following an intense and in-depth judging process, NHS Cheshire CCG was shortlisted ahead of the official awards ceremony to be held later this year.

Spreading the Vaccine not the Virus references the approach to promoting and increasing vaccine confidence amongst marginalised, vulnerable and vaccine hesitant communities across the sub-region of Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

Using data, insight and intelligence to guide our work, our aim was to identify and alleviate vaccine concerns such that each cohort was 'vaccine ready' and reach the residents that mainstream communications wouldn't typically reach.

HSJ editor Alistair McLellan, comments: "On behalf of all my colleagues, I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group on being nominated in the category of Communications Initiative of the Year, in this year's HSJ Awards. The applications we receive always present our panel of judges with a very difficult task as the standard is unfailingly high and the breadth of innovation and passion for patient care is always so inspiring.

"This year, we really have been overwhelmed with the level of entries, particularly when set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and the huge challenges faced by our health and social care workforce.

"We are therefore looking forward to welcoming all our finalists to the live ceremony in November and joining us in celebrating their incredible achievements and commitment to excellence."

The full list of nominees for the HSJ Awards 2021 can be found on their website.

The selected winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Evolution, London on November 18 2021.

You can book your coronavirus vaccine here.

You can also read about the latest COVID-news in Macc in this newsletter.