Covid-19

Important Covid-19 Info

Click here to get NHS advice and information about Covid-19, including symptoms, testing, self isolation and vaccination.

Face masks are now optional. However, we will continue to ask patients and staff to wear face masks while COVID-19 levels remain high.

We are also continuing with social distancing in the waiting room. This is to protect vulnerable patients and staff, including those who may not have been able to have the vaccine.

GP’s are unfortunately not in a position to provide individual risk assessments or letters for patients who feel they should be exempt from wearing a face covering. Government advice on the use of face coverings can be found on the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#face-coverings

Do NOT come to the surgery unless you have been invited to by a doctor.

Please do not call reception for a fit note if you are off work because of COVID-19. Instead you need an isolation note.

We will not tolerate verbal abuse or rudeness to our staff. Your call is being recorded.

Update on the COVID-19 Booster Programme

All adults are eligible to book via the National Booking System now.

You can get your booster 12 weeks after your second vaccine. We are working at pace to increase the availability of appointments so that there are plenty of options for people on the National Booking System. Some local vaccination services will also contact patients directly.

New appointments are being added every day across our vaccination services. We will be working with all of our sites to take further steps to increase what they can offer again, including opening later and on more days.

All of these appointments will be added to the National Booking System and so we encourage everyone who is aged 18 and over, is yet to have their booster and who is approaching 12 weeks from your second vaccine to use the National Booking System to arrange your appointment when you are able to do so.

In terms of any planned appointments with Glenpark Medical Centre, there are no changes at the current time and everyone should attend your planned appointments as normal. If we need to make any changes, we will contact you directly.

See more about the vaccination programme and how to book an appointment here.

Covid-19 Vaccination Programme

Primary Course

Please do not attend your Covid-19 appointment if you have symptoms of covid (persistent cough, fever, loss of sense of taste/smell) or if you are currently self isolating due to a positive test result.

The primary course is needed to give you protection against COVID. Like any vaccine, it doesn't provide 100% protection, but the evidence shows that it has a signficant effect on reducing the severity of the illness and preventing hospital admissions. The number of doses you will need depends on your circumstances:

People aged 16 years and above should have two doses at least 8 weeks apart. Book your appointment through the national booking service.
People aged 12-15 years currently are being advised to have a single dose. Check with your school when the vaccine will be given at school, or book through the national booking service.
People with severe immune problems may be contacted by their hospital specialist recommending 3 doses The first 2 doses are booked through the national booking system, but currently it won't allow booking of the 3rd dose. If you have received a letter from your consultant recommending a 3rd dose (and only if you have a letter), contact the practice to be referred directly to Blaydon vaccine centre.

Reactions

Serious reactions to the vaccine are rare. Just like any vaccine you may experience soreness or skin irritation at the injection site. You may also get side effects such as headache, fatigue, mild fever, muscle and joint aches. These will tend to be short lived.

It is not a live vaccine and you cannot catch covid-19 from having the injection. Click here to see all adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines.

Those with bleeding disorders should speak to their healthcare team before having the vaccine.

Click Here to read more about the side effects of the Covid-19 Vaccine.

Booster Programme

Those who are eligible to receive the booster vaccine include:

All adults aged 18 years or over.
Those living in residential care homes for older adults.
Frontline health and social care workers.
All those aged 16 or over with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the green book), and adult carers.
Adult household contacts (aged 16 or over) of immunosuppressed individuals.

Further important information:

Pfizer/Moderna is the preferred vaccine for the booster dose, regardless of which vaccine type the patient had for their 1^st/2^nd dose (unless contraindicated for Pfizer or Moderna)
The booster dose must be given no earlier than 2 months from completion of the second dose.

Booster vaccines can only be booked through the National booking system and cannot be booked by the practice. We are aware of some patients finding difficulty booking or getting a late invitation; we are unable to help and advise patients to phone 119.

NHS Covid Passport

Just like a normal passport, make sure to leave plenty of time before you set off on holiday to apply for your Vaccine Passport. If you’re getting the NHS App for the first time, it can take some time for your identity to be verified.

If you’re not able to use the App, as long as you’ve had two doses of the vaccine, you can receive a paper copy by ringing 119 and one will be posted to you within five working days.

Missing vaccines

We have had queries from patients regarding vaccines not showing on their NHS Passport or the online EMIS record.

The national vaccine service manages both the NHS Passport and the vaccine records, so the practice is unable to resolve any issues with the vaccine record. If you believe that your COVID vaccine record is incorrect, phone 119.

More info here and at nhs.uk/nhsapp, www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad

Coming out of Lockdown

It's OK to feel worried or anxious about lockdown restricitions finally being lifted.

It's completely normal to take some time to readjust to parts of life you haven't experienced for a while, such as travelling on public transport or socialising at big events.

The NHS Every Mind Matters has a section dedicated to Coronavirus and wellbeing, providing expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing during this time.

If you feel you are struggling, we are here to help. You can book an appointment with one of our GP's to talk through your thoughts and any worries you have. Click here to book an online appointment or ring us on 0191 420 0535

Alternatively, you can refer yourself directly to NHS talking therapies services, who can help you if your mental health is suffering due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Your Covid Recovery

Whilst the vast majority of people get better within 4 weeks after having COVID-19 (often even sooner), some people can continue to have symptoms for up to 12 weeks. This is called ongoing symptomatic COVID.

If you still have symptoms more than 12 weeks after infection, this is known as post-COVID syndrome, or long COVID.

There is an NHS website dedicated to supporting people during their recovery, with loads of really helpful information. There is also a page for friends and family which explains how you can help loved ones who have ongoing symptoms.

Click here to access the Your Covid Recovery NHS Website.