Coronavirus
20 December 2021
COVID BOOSTER - LATEST GOVERNMENT UPDATE
The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.
As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those 18 years and above from today.
The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as appointments are loaded onto the system every day. The website and phonelines are understandably busy and we thank you for your patience when booking.
Your local GP practice may also invite you for a booster vaccination so again please look out for a text from your local GP practice.
The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some sites offer walk-in appointments where no appointment is needed. Please check the link below for clinics with walk-in availability and their opening hours www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins. This website is updated on a regular basis so please keep checking back for the most up to date information.
GP teams have been asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.
Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide as much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.
That is why the Government has asked the NHS to prioritise boosters over other routine care.
General Practice is still open for urgent care. Our staff are supporting the COVID vaccination programme so there may be a delay in getting a non-urgent appointment. For information and advice there are a wide range of options including the NHS website www.nhs.uk; or calling NHS111 or popping into your local pharmacist
We appreciate your support and understanding – and urge you to come forward for your vaccination as soon as possible.
Many thanks
Sky Blue appointments are initially telephone consultations, to reduce to risk of Covid-19 to patients and staff. If, after your telephone consultation your clinician feels that a face to face appointment is required, then you will be offered one.
The NHS and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.
If you think you might have coronavirus or you’ve been in close contact with someone who has it: Have you developed a new continuous cough and a high temperature of 37.8 or higher then please:
- stay at home, self-isolate for 7 days and avoid close contact with other people
- do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital
- use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next
The 111 coronavirus service will tell you if you need to continue to stay at home (self-isolate) or if you need medical help.
If you’ve recently travelled abroad, see the coronavirus advice for travellers to find out what to do.
Further information is available on nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Advice accurate as of 01/03/2021.
