COVID VACCINE PASSPORTS

The practice is unable to provide letters confirming covid vaccination status.  However, by downloading the NHS App, you will be able to access this information.  You will also be able to order your repeat medication, view parts of your medical record and view hospital appointments.  You can choose your preferred pharmacy and get health advice.  Download the App today.  If you do not have a smartphone, you will need to contact the covid helpline on 119 AFTER 17th May to arrange for a letter to be sent to you.  Please make sure you keep your contact details up to date with the practice as 119 do not have access to that information and will be relying on practice systems to get your letter to you. This must be at least 5 days after you have completed your course of the vaccine, the letter may to take up to 5 days to reach you.

https://www.nhsapp.service.nhs.uk/login

Get the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet

COVID 19 – VACCINE FRAUD

You will never be asked to pay for a covid vaccine by the NHS.  If you are asked for payment or your bank details, this is not from a genuine source and you should not hand over any money or personal details.

People are warned to be alert of theses scams:  COVID-19 Vaccine Fraud

Coronavirus

Do not leave your home if you have either:

• a high temperature – this 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 (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
• loss or change to your sense of taste or smell

If you need medical help for any reason, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), use the 111 coronavirus service.

If you need help or advice not related to coronavirus:

• for health information and advice, use the NHS website or your GP surgery website
• for urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online
• for life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance

Do not leave your home if you have coronavirus symptoms:

• a high temperature – this 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 (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

To protect others, Do not attend a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  Stay at home.

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do. 111 coronavirus service.

What to do if you need medical help

If you need medical help for any reason, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), use the 111 coronavirus service.

If you need help or advice not related to coronavirus:

• for health information and advice, use the NHS website or your GP surgery website
• for urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online
• for life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance

Update: 24th March

“We are approaching a critical phase and make no mistake, the North East cannot avoid the very real consequences of this disease. We need to protect ourselves, our families, our key workers and every community across the North East. To do so we must act now. Every single one of us in our region must take responsibility and practice social distancing.

“Those who can work from home should do so. Those who work in essential services and need to go their workplace should rigorously pay attention to social distancing in that workplace. Avoid non-essential use of public transport. We should only go shopping for essential items such as food and medicines and if we do, then we must take great care to keep a safe distance (2 metres) from other people. I know following this guidance is hard. But we must avoid gathering with our wider family and friends where possible and avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces. If we need fresh air and exercise then we must stay close to home and avoid other people.

“Finally, as the Easter break approaches and the weather improves, our natural instinct is to think of the many wonderful assets and beauty spots we have across the North East. I would say in the strongest possible terms we are living in exceptional times and we all need to make very real adjustments and sacrifices to protect ourselves and others. Stay at home, do not travel other than for necessary work or essentials and please follow the guidance here to stay safe: Social distancing to protect vulnerable groups “

Professor Peter Kelly, PHE North East Centre Director