The government announced this week if you are 70 or over or clinically extremely vulnerable. You do not need to wait for a letter; you can now book a COVID-19 vaccination.
How to arrange to have the vaccine
Online
The easiest way to arrange a vaccination is through the national booking service, which you can access at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination.
The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location that suits them.
By phone
Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.
Your own GP
If a suitable and convenient slot is not available, people can also call their own GP practice.
You need to be registered with a GP surgery in England. You can register with a GP if you do not have one.
You will have seen and heard governments advice on coronavirus.
Not to confuse the messages, we have used information direct from the official government website (www.gov.uk) and NHS (www.nhs.uk), to provide you with the basics of what you need to know.
What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus is a virus which causes COVID-19, a new illness. If you are ill with coronavirus you will usually have:
- A new, continuous cough – you start coughing repeatedly.
- A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back.
- A shortness of breath.
For advice on how to stop coronavirus spreading check out the latest guidance on the gov.uk website.
Please, do not leave home if you or someone you live with has either:
- A high temperature.
- a new, continuous cough.
What should I do if I think I have the virus?
To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.
Use the 111 online coronavirus service. The online portal will give you all the advice on what you need to do.
Looking after your physical and mental wellbeing
If you have to stay at home because of coronavirus it's important to take care of your mind as well as your body.
The Government has released some advice about how to manage if you're staying at home:
This applies if you are:
- self-isolating
- working from home
Things you can do to support yourself:
- Get the facts - get information from reputable sources.
- keep in touch with friends and family remotely by phone, Skype or social media.
- Involve children and family and help others understand the facts.
- Avoid continual media updates as exposure to repeated information can be stressful.
- Try not to dwell, we know it's hard.
- Get indoor active and keep busy with things you enjoy doing, eg watching films, baking, light exercise in your home or garden.
