The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme: key points
From the 17th of May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available from:
- the NHS App which you can download from app stores
- the NHS website
Westbury-on-Trym Primary Care Centre is not able to provide you with a letter that shows your COVID-19 vaccination status
It may take more than a week for your identity to be checked and verified before you can use this service. If you cannot access the online services, and you have had 2 vaccines, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel abroad in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 workings days ago. It will take 7 working days for the letter to arrive.
If you are planning to travel, check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is time to get proof of your vaccination status before you leave.
If you are experiencing difficulties with the NHS APP please look here for help and support.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme is underway.
If you are 25 years of age or older and have not yet received your first vaccination please phone 119 and they will be able to help you make an appointment at a Vaccination Centre.
COVID-19 Vaccine Scam Warning
The vaccine is only available through the NHS and it is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details. The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password. the NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine. The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents (such as your passport, dirving licence, bills or pay slips).
If you believe a call to be fraudlent hang-up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspiscious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.
We are aware of a number of scams currently. For example, there is a genuine NHS system called 'NIMS' (National Immunisation Management System). As a system NIMS is not phoning anyone to make enquiries about the vaccine. Please terminate the call if you receive a call where a person reports that they are calling you from 'NIMS'.
Information on the vaccine is available on the NHS.UK website
We are no longer offering the vaccine at The Greenway Community Centre
Mendip Vale are inviting our patients who are under the age of 50 to their clinics at the Orchard School in Bristol. You will receive one of the below text message from them and please respond to book in for your vaccine.
You have been invited to book your first COVID-19 jab at our mass clinic at Orchard School, Bristol. Important for protection and might be needed for your holiday! We are offering bookings online. If you are unable to book online please phone our dedicated support line on 01275 345863 (Open 9:30-3:00PM). Please wear a short-sleeved top as we will be vaccinating in a public space. Please do not book if you are pregnant.
Affinity GP Practices (Westbury, Greenway, Fallodon, Sea Mills, Mendip Vale Monks Park & Helio) are now inviting our younger patients for their COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine at Orchard Schoool, Filton Road, Bristol, BS7 0XZ. Please wear a short sleeved top as we are vaccinating in a public space. We are offering booking online. If you are unable to book online please phone our dedicated support line on 01275 345863 (Open 09:30 - 3:00pm)
How do I get a vaccine?
If you are aged 25 or older please contact 119 to arrange your vaccine.
We are getting lots of enquiries requesting early COVID-19 vaccination from patients or the families of patients who have illnesses that do not meet the criterial for call for vaccination before their age-group. Higher age remains the greatest risk for getting more severe effects from COVID-19 infection. This is set by the government and the JCIV (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation), not us. Please be reassured that we are keeping up-to-date with all guidance and there is no need to contact us to see which group you are in for the vaccine.
We have tried to answer some of your questions below. Please be aware that we are not able to book appointments with clinicians to answer individual queries.
I've heard there are concerns around Astra Zeneca and blood clots?
Recently, there have been reports of a very rae condition involving blood clots and unusual bleeding after vaccination. Although this condition remains extremely rare there appears to be a higher risk in people shortly after the first dose of the Astra Zeneca (AZ) vaccine.
Around 4 people develop this condition for every million doses of AZ vaccine doses given. This is seen slightly more often in younger people and tends to occur between 4 days and 2 weeks following vaccination. This is being carefully reviewed but the risk factors for this condition are not yet clear.
This condition can also occur naturally, and clotting problems are a common complication of COVID-19 infection. An increased risk has not yet been seen after other COVID-19 vaccines but is being carefully monitored.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations (JCVI), we will be offering people under 40 who have not yet had their first COVID-19 vaccination, a choice of vaccine other than AZ. If you chose to have an alternative vaccines you may have to wait to be protected. You may wish to go ahead with the AZ vaccination after you hvae considered all the risks and benefits for you. This leafelt from Public Health England provides more information.
If you have already had a first dose of AZ vaccine without suffering a blood clot as a side effect, you should have your second dose. This includes people aged 18-29 years who are health and social care workers and unpaid carers.
The benefits of the AZ vaccine outweigh any risks for the vast majority of people and you should still book your COVID-19 vaccine when we contact you. Please do not contact us requesting the vaccine.
If I am Immunosuppressed can those in my household have the vaccine?
Adult household contacts of adults, over 16 year of age, with severe immunosuppression should be offered the COVID-19 Vaccination. This aims to reduce the risk of infection to you by vaccinating those most likely to transmit to you, as even though you may have received your COVID-19 vaccination, you may have lower protection from the vaccine given that you are immunosuppressed. Please let your adult household contacts know that they can now book a vaccination appointments via their registered GP. Please note that any household contacts aged 29 years or younger will need to receive the Pfizer/Moderna vaccine. This can only be given at the vaccine centre at Ashton Gate and they can be contacted using teh NHS online booking system or by calling 119 free of charge between 7am and 11pm.
Members of 'bubbles' that do not live with an immunosuppressed person are not included.
I've received a letter about booking my vaccination appointment - what should I do?
Letters are being sent inviting patients to book a vaccine appointment via the NHS website or by ringing 119. This being done by age cohort, in line with the JCVI guidance. This is an invitation to book an appointment at a mass vaccination centre - our local one is Ashton Gate stadium, local pharmacies are also participating. You can do this by following the instructions in the letter.
If you are unable to book an appointment using the details in the letter, please call 119.
When will I get my second dose?
The NHS is following new guidance from the Government’s expert advisors which says that prioritising a first dose for as many people as possible will save more lives. This is because even with just one dose the vaccine has been estimated to offer at least 74% effectiveness from two week's after it is given.
Second doses will now be delivered from the 8th week following your first dose.
I have a question about the COVID vaccine - what should I do?
There is lots of information available online. You can also try the nhs website and healthiertogether. We will get in touch with you when it is your turn to be vaccinated - you do not need to contact us to ask when this will be.
Published: Jun 11, 2021