COVID19 Vaccine

JCVI statement on use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: 7 April 2021: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-jcvi-statement/jcvi-statement-on-use-of-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-7-april-2021

The above statement underlines new regulations regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine and the administration of the first dose.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is approved for use, there are no reports of the extremely rare thrombosis/thrombocytopenia events following receipt of the second dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Patients are being encouraged to receive their second dose if they did not experience any problems with their first. The second dose will be important for longer lasting protection against COVID-19.

Due to updated guidance, the AstraZeneca Vaccine will be offered to those over the aged of 40.

Vaccination Programme

The practice has been asked by NHS England to work with other local practices to offer the covid-19 vaccine which we have agreed to do. Given that the plan is to vaccinate as much of the population as possible we have been told to do this in stages, prioritising those most vulnerable first. Depending upon your age and/or health conditions you could be invited anytime over the next few months. Be assured we will contact you as soon as it becomes available to you to arrange your appointment.

Yyou must have both doses of the vaccine for it to take effect. If you haven’t had flu you should have this as soon as possible as there must be at least 7 days in between flu vaccine and your first covid. National guidance is encouraging everyone who is eligible to have flu as the increased risk of the severity of covid should you also get flu are significant. Appointments are available now for flu.

This is a huge undertaking for ourselves and our partner practices so we ask for your patience and help in timely bookings and letting us know of any changes in these bookings as soon as possible. By working together we can make this happen as quickly as possible.

Eastham Group Practice

Do you have any questions about the Covid19 vaccine? Visit our FAQ page or you can find answers on the NHS website here:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

Fraud – Be vigilant

• We are aware that some people are receiving suspicious calls and text messages offering the COVID-19 vaccination. To protect yourself and your family members from fraud and criminals, remember the following points.
  The vaccine is only available on the NHS for free to people in priority groups, and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn. Anyone offering a paid-for vaccine is committing a crime.
• The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and never ask for payment or for your bank details.
• At the moment we are also not making house calls to deliver or discuss the vaccine. Anyone offering this now is committing a crime.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, and particularly if you are worried that someone has or might come to your house, report it to the Police online or by calling 101.