BDCT / Important coronavirus updates

Important coronavirus updates

COVID-19 vaccine 

The NHS is now offering vaccinations to people who are most at risk from COVID-19. This follows the approval of both the Pfizer BioNTech and Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines as safe and effective following extensive trials.

The first vaccinations are being offered to people in the priority groups identified by the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), starting with people in care homes and those aged 80 and over.

Groups of GP practices are working together to provide vaccines from local centres and in care homes and will contact eligible patients when it is their turn. Vaccines for frontline health and care workers will also be offered at hospital ‘hubs’ to staff who are at the greatest risk of catching COVID-19.

We know that lots of people will be eager to get protected but you will be invited for a vaccine when it’s your turn so please do not contact your practice or the NHS for an appointment. The NHS is working hard to make sure that those who are at greatest risk are offered the vaccine first and people will not be able to make an appointment until they have received their invitation.

As more supplies of the vaccines become available, we will be able to offer vaccinations to more people and at other locations. These will include local vaccination services provided by GPs and pharmacists, in people’s homes if they can’t come to us, and new dedicated vaccination centres to make sure that everyone who needs a vaccine is able to get one.

Please be aware that vaccinations are free of charge and only available through the NHS. Anyone who claims to be able to provide you with a vaccine for a fee is likely to be committing a crime and should be reported to the Police online or by calling 112.  The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text asking you to confirm you want the vaccine.

This will be the largest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS and you can really help us to deliver it to those that need it most by doing the following:

  • Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine – we will contact you when it’s the right time.
  • When we do contact you, please act immediately and make sure you attend your appointments.
  • Please continue to follow all the guidelines – hand hygiene and social distancing in particular – to control the virus and save lives.

For further information 

For more information about the vaccine, please visit www.nhs.uk or see these frequently asked questions.

You can also or download the patient information leaflets on the following topics, which are available on the West Yorkshire & Harrogate Health & Care Partnership website:

  • COVID-19 vaccination – a guide for adults.
  • COVID-19 vaccination – a guide for those currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • What to expect after your COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Why do I have to wait for my COVID-19 vaccine?

Guidance within NHS services 

Good hand hygiene, two-metre social distancing, wearing personal protective equipment (face masks) and staying at home if people have symptoms, all apply to NHS settings.  It is important that we all follow this guidance to manage infection rates. 

COVID-19 restrictions across England 

For the latest guidance on restrictions please visit GOV.UK.

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