BDCT / Important coronavirus updates

Important coronavirus updates

COVID-19 vaccine 

The NHS is offering vaccinations to people in the priority groups identified by the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

COVID-19 jabs are being offered through GP-led services, hospital ‘hubs’, some community pharmacies and COVID-19 Vaccination Centres, like Bradford College Old Building and Jacob’s Well in Bradford.

The NHS will let you know when it is your turn to have your jab and you will not be able to make an appointment until advised to do so.

Please be aware that all COVID-19 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.

Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine update

New guidance has been issued for the use of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

This follows further reviews by the independent regulator, the MHRA, and the Commission for Human Medicines, and information on a very small number of people in the UK who have developed a rare blood-clotting condition since having the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

The MHRA and Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations have emphasised that the risk of this condition is extremely small and that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks for the vast majority of people. They have recommended that:

  • Everyone who has had the AstraZeneca vaccine should still have a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, irrespective of age, unless they suffered any serious side effects after their first vaccination.
  • People aged 30 and over (including health and social care workers) or who have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease should still be offered the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The benefits in protecting them against the serious consequences of COVID-19 outweigh any risk of this rare condition.
  • People aged 18-29 who do not have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease will be offered an alternative COVID-19 vaccine where available. This has been recommended as a precaution as people under 30 are at less risk from COVID-19 and not because they are considered to be at particular risk of developing the rare blood clot.
  • People under 30 can still choose to have the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine if this will mean they can be protected more quickly, and they have been made aware of the guidance.

Leaflet on COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting

JCVI statement on the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: 7 April 2021

MHRA advice on possible link between Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots

COVID-19 vaccination: blood clotting information for healthcare professionals

For further information 

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

You can  also find useful links on our COVID-19 vaccination .

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 current restrictions please visit GOV.UK.

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