COVID-19 Information

COVID Vaccination Update

Vaccine

 

Am I eligible?

The Spring Booster each year is open to all adults aged 75+ and patients with severely weakened immune system. We are only able to vaccinate patients at the practice aged 16+

The Autumn Booster each year is open to all adults aged 65+, patients aged 6 months-64 in clinical risk groups, household contacts of people with severely weakened immune systems and carers. We are only able to vaccinate patients at the practice aged 16+

 

When will I get called?

Invitations to book will be sent out to eligible patients, please contact the surgery if you feel that you should have been invited but haven't received an invitation. 

As long as there is a 12-week gap between your last dose then you are okay to have the next vaccine.

 

How can I book a vaccine?

Appointments are available to book at the practice, in the text message we send to patients there is a link to follow which lets you book your own slot. 

During the autumn booster season, COVID vaccinations may be given at the same time as the flu vaccination in our weekend or evening vaccination clinics (depending on capacity).

Some Pharmacies in Borehamwood are also offering the vaccine as booked appointments. To book an appointment at the pharmacy, please go to the NHS website.

 

Which vaccine will I get?

We have been supplied with Moderna Spikevax. The version we have is currently the newest until a newer vaccine is available. This vaccine will fight off against multiple strains of Covid. 

All of the vaccines have been approved for use as a one off so even if you have not had a primary course, you can have the booster vaccine.

 

Co-administration

The guidance has changed allowing us to administer the covid vaccine along with other vaccines.

 

 

Virus

 

What if I get covid?

Restrictions in England have been lifted however Coronavirus hasn’t gone away.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, this could be Coronavirus:

  • a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
  • shortness of breath
  • feeling tired or exhausted
  • an aching body
  • a headache
  • a sore throat
  • a blocked or runny nose
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhoea
  • feeling sick or being sick

The NHS advises that you stay home and avoid contact with other people if you experience these symptoms.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE PRACTICE IF YOU HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR OR HAVE SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS

Patients who are classed as severely immunocompromised are entitled to anti-viral medication. If you test positive from a lateral flow test, please make sure to log it, this will ensure it is picked up and you will be contacted by the NHS to receive this medication. If you are not contacted, please email the practice at thegrove@nhs.net and the GP can refer you to the service.

 

How can I get a lateral flow test?

We advise you check with your local pharmacy to purchase lateral flow tests. Free tests are no longer available through the NHS.

 

How long do I have to wait after getting covid before I can have a vaccine?

If you are due a vaccine but test positive for Coronavirus. Those under 18 without any underlying health conditions, will need to wait at least twelve weeks after testing positive before having the next dose. Everyone else will need to wait at least four weeks after testing positive before having their next dose.

Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine

We are aware that patients may have concerns about the safety of the Astra Zeneca vaccine following reports that some countries have suspended its use due to concerns about blood clotting.   

Question: Does the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine cause blood clots? 

Answer: Blood clots can occur naturally and are not uncommon. Reports of blood clots received so far are not greater than the number that we would normally expect to see amongst the groups of the population who have been vaccinated.  People should still go and get their COVID-19 vaccine when asked to do so. 

More than 11 million doses of the Astra Zeneca vaccine have now been administered across the UK.  Vaccine safety is of paramount importance and the regulatory agency, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) continually monitors the safety of vaccines in the UK.   

For more information and a statement from the MHRA, see this link (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-response-to-danish-authorities-action-to-temporarily-suspend-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine)

Domestic violence or abuse

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.

If you're worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women's Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.

Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.

Getting help and support for domestic violence

You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.

Extra support during coronavirus

Advice to self-isolate due to coronavirus does not apply if you need to escape from domestic abuse.

Many pharmacies have safe spaces where you can get information about support and make calls.

Find pharmacies offering safe spaces on the UK Says No More website

Other ways to get support:

You can also email for support. It is important that you specify when and if it is safe to respond and to which email address:

  • women can email helpline@womensaid.org.uk. Staff will respond to your email within 5 working days
  • men can email info@mensadviceline.org.uk
  • LGBT+ people can email help@galop.org.uk

The Survivor's Handbook from the charity Women's Aid is free and provides information for women on a wide range of issues, such as housing, money, helping your children, and your legal rights.

If you are worried that you are abusive, you can contact the free Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040.