COVID-19 vaccination programme update
Please do not worry or call your GP if you or a family member are priority 1 but have not yet been contacted, you will be invited within the next two weeks to book an appointment.
The programme, run by Rutland Health Primary Care Network, is making good progress and residents of all 11 care homes for older adults have now received their first doses of the COVID 19 vaccination. Most of the care home staff have also received or been offered their first vaccination.
In addition, the first vaccination has been given to just over two thirds of patients aged over 80, and some of the frontline health and care staff who have contact with multiple older adults.
For latest information about the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Rutland, along with Frequently Asked Questions, visit the Rutland Health Primary Care Network website regularly.
We had heard from several people in the over 80 priority vaccination group, who have basic mobile phones (that do not have smartphone functionality), that they have been unable to follow the booking link provided in text messages, to book an appointment. We want to reassure you that if this has happened to you, you will be contacted again in another way (for example by phone or letter) in the next two weeks – you have not missed your chance to get a vaccination.
Further to this feedback Healthwatch Rutland encouraged the Rutland Health Primary Care Network (PCN) to modify the text messages to give more information, and to give guidance on how to use the link on a tablet or computer. This has now been put in place and you can read the new guidance on the Rutland PCN website.
The second dose
National medical advice is now to offer second vaccination appointments within 12 weeks of the first vaccination. The advice states that the vaccine remains effective if the second dose is given up to 12 weeks after the first dose, and should be given towards the end of this 12 week period.
So that more people benefit from the first dose as soon as possible and have some protection, some patients are having their appointment for the second dose rearranged for a later date. If this includes you, you will be contacted to rearrange your second appointment.
Find out more information about the second dose on the Rutland Health Website.
News for Unpaid Carers
The Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation (JCVI), which is responsible for prioritising which order groups get the vaccine, has updated its guidance to include unpaid carers. If you are a carer for another person, you will be invited to receive the vaccine as part of priority group 6). It important therefore that your GP surgery knows that you are a carer so that the invitation can be sent to you at the appropriate time – please email or wite to your practice rather than calling.
Volunteers
Volunteers who have offered to support the Rutland vaccination programme will be co-ordinated by a Workforce Bureau that has been set up by Leicestershire Partnership Trust to handle the complex logistics. There are a number of roles from marshalling (welcoming people to the site, managing queues, ensuring people leave the site safely), admin/appointment booking, as well as vaccinating.
If you can spare time to volunteer at the Rutland vaccination centre in Oakham, please email us at info@healthwatchrutland.co.uk with your name and telephone number. Your contact details will be sent to the bureau and they will send you an “expression of interest form” to complete and return.
Scams
Criminals are taking advantage of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout using a convincing scam text message to steal personal and financial details.
The text contains a link that leads to a convincing fake NHS website with an application form which asks for your bank/card details in order to check your identity. You can read more information about this on the Which? Consumer website.
Whilst the NHS may contact you by text message you will never be asked to give personal or payment details – the vaccination is free.
Please warn your family and friends to be vigilant.
COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know
Healthwatch England have put together what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme including how you will know when it's your turn, where to go, and why it's important.
