COVID-19
JCVI statement on the COVID-19 vaccination programme for 2023 (link)
We are now receiving stock of the COVID vaccine. Please call our reception staff to book your vaccination.
JCVI advises vaccine top-up for over-75s, immunosuppressed and residents in care homes for older adults.(link)
People who are still at high risk
You or your child may continue to be at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, despite vaccination, if you have:
- Down’s syndrome
- certain types of cancer (such as a blood cancer like leukaemia or lymphoma)
- sickle cell disease
- certain conditions affecting your blood
- chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5
- severe liver disease
- had an organ or bone marrow transplant
- certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease)
- HIV or AIDS and have a weakened immune system
- a condition affecting your immune system
- a rare condition affecting the brain or nerves (multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Huntington’s disease or myasthenia gravis)
- a severe problem with the brain or nerves, such as cerebral palsy
- severe or multiple learning disabilities (or you’re on the learning disability register)
- a weakened immune system due to a medical treatment (such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
You may be advised to take extra steps or follow additional advice to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Long COVID
Common long COVID symptoms include:
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- shortness of breath
- chest pain or tightness
- problems with memory and concentration (“brain fog”)
- difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- heart palpitations
- dizziness
- pins and needles
- joint pain
- depression and anxiety
- tinnitus, earaches
- feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite
- a high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to sense of smell or taste
- rashes
If you believe that you are suffering from any of these symptoms 4 weeks after you have had COVID-19, please contact our surgery to discuss them with your GP.
Further information can be found on the NHS Long COVID website.
Vaccine Data Resolution Service (VDRS)
The Vaccine Data Resolution Service (VDRS) aims to resolve missing or incorrect vaccination records for people vaccinated in England or abroad, who have a current NHS number and are registered with a GP practice in England.
If a patient believes they have missing or incorrect COVID-19 vaccination data, please ring 119 (option 1 then option 4) and ask the call agent to make a referral to the VDRS team. They will respond within five working days.
Please note: 119 and VDRS call agents will not provide clinical advice.
COVID-19 and children
The children and young people at greater risk include those living with serious conditions such as:
– cancers (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
– diabetes
– serious heart problems
– chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including poorly controlled asthma
– kidney, liver or a gut disease
– lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (steroid medication, chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
– an organ transplant
– a neurodisability or neuromuscular condition
– a severe or profound learning disability
– Down’s syndrome
– a problem with your spleen, for example sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed
– epilepsy
– serious genetic problems
– other serious medical conditions as advised by your doctor or specialist
For most children and young people COVID-19 is usually a milder illness that rarely leads to complications. For a very few the symptoms may last for longer than the usual 2 to 3 weeks. The vaccination will help to protect you against COVID-19.
Currently the vaccine licensed for children and young people is the Pfizer vaccine. This is what you will be offered.
OUR PFIZER VACCINE CLINIC ON 27/6/21 AT WATFORD FOOTBALL GROUND WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
