COVID-19 Vaccination Programme 2021

GOVERNMENT COVID-19 ADVICE

The Covid vaccination programme started in January. We are working with 27 other practices and Suffolk GP Federation to deliver the vaccination programme.  The Federation is owned by the GP practices in Suffolk. We are also working in collaboration with Ivry Street/Barrack Lane PCN to deliver the next phase of the vaccination programme at Ivry Street Medical Practice.

The next cohorts of patients being invited for Covid vaccination is those over 40 years old.

You may also be invited for your vaccine through mass vaccination sites (such as Gainsborough Sports Centre) or through Aqua Pharmacy.

If you have not received an invitation please do not call the Federation booking line as they cannot assist you and you will not be able to make an appointment. If you are eligible for your vaccination and have not yet made an appointment, please do get in touch and we can organise an appointment for you. 

You may receive a text from us if you are eligible for your vaccination as we are booking in some of our patients directly into clinics at Ivry Street Medical Practice.

Covid Vaccine Sessions August 2021

On behalf of the Suffolk Community Engagement Team:

COVID-19 Vaccination and Blood Clotting

Please click here for more information regarding the Astrazeneca vaccination and the link to rare blood clots.

Proof of Vaccination

Click here to be taken to the government advice page for demonstrating your covid vaccination status.

From 17th May, you may be able to show your COVID-19 vaccination status as proof using the NHS App.

You can access your COVID-19 vaccination status through the free NHS App from 17th May. You can access the app through mobile devices such as a smartphone or by tablet. Proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status will be shown within the NHS App. We recommend that you register with the app before booking international travel.

If you do not have access to a smartphone and know that the country you are travelling to requires COVID-19 vaccination status, you can call the NHS helpline on 119 (from 17th May) and ask for a letter to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 days after you've completed your course of the vaccine. We expect the letter to take up to 5 days to reach you.

Please do not contact your GP surgery about your COVID-19 vaccination status. GPs cannot provide letters showing your COVID-19 vaccination status.

if you have any issues using the NHS App, please click here to be taken to the help pages.

What to do when you receive an invitation

• If you have a mobile number registered with us you will receive a text from (NHS-Noreply).  Please make sure your mobile is switched on.  If you do not have a mobile, you will receive a letter.
• The invitation will include a unique booking code and a web link.  If you or a family member click on the link, it allows you to book an appointment directly online.  Please book online if you can. 
• If you do not have internet access there will be a booking line number.  This will be very busy so please be patient.   
• To book, it will need you to confirm your name, date of birth, postcode and a mobile number (can be a family member or someone in your bubble) which it will use to confirm the appointment time and place.  If you don’t have this, please just write down the appointment details.  Appointments for both doses will be booked at the same time.
• You will have a choice of venues and times (8am to 8pm):
  • Trinity Park (IP3 8UH)
  • The Mix in Stowmarket (IP14 1BB).
  • Debenham Community Centre (IP14 6BL).
  • Woodbridge Community Hall (IP12 4AU).
  • The Epic Centre in Haverhill (CB9 7LR).

• If you receive an invitation and want to be vaccinated with a partner/friend/family member etc, you will need to wait until they also receive an invitation.  You will then be able to book appointments at the same time.

We have been informed that due to high demand, you may experience a few technical issues booking your appointment.  Please try again a bit later on.  If you are unable to book online, the appointment helpline is 01473 921821 Monday to Sunday 8:30am to 6:00pm.

Commmonly asked Questions and Answers

General questions

I have already been vaccinated (e.g. at the hospital) do I need another?

No. Please follow the online booking instructions and decline the invitation.

Will the vaccine protect me?

The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease. It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine.

I have already had COVID. Do I need the vaccine?

Even if you have already had coronavirus, you could still get it again. The vaccine will reduce your risk of another infection and the seriousness of your symptoms if you do get it again.

I have recently had COVID – what should I do?

If you have recently tested positive for coronavirus – even if you have no symptoms – you should wait until 4 weeks after the date you were tested before getting the vaccine.  After four weeks, use your unique booking code to book online.

I have had my flu vaccine, do I need the COVID-19 vaccine as well?

The flu vaccine does not protect you from COVID-19. As you are eligible for both vaccines you should have them both, but normally separated by at least a week.

Can I catch COVID-19 from the vaccine?

You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine but it is possible to have caught COVID-19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment.

Can I give COVID-19 to anyone, after I have had the vaccine?

The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and two doses will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus

Questions about booking an appointment

What locations can I choose from?

• Trinity Park (IP3 8UH). 
• The Mix in Stowmarket (IP14 1BB).
• Debenham Community Centre (IP14 6BL).
• Woodbridge Community Hall (IP12 4AU).
• The Epic Centre in Haverhill (CB9 7LR).

Why is my GP practice not vaccinating as they do the flu?

The Pfizer vaccine comes in units of 975 doses, has to be used within three and a half days and there is a strict priority list which started with over 80s.  This means most GP practices are working collaboratively, with the Suffolk GP Federation, to vaccinate patients from different practices at the same time.  It also means we have to have a smaller number of venues.  

Can I choose which vaccine to have?

We now have a few vaccines availible to vaccinate against COVID-19. You will not get to choose your vaccine unless you have certain medical conditions. If you are under 30 years old, the current advice is for this cohort of patients to have an alternative vaccine to Astrazeneca such as Pfizer or Moderna.

What if I want to wait a few more weeks and have my vaccination later?

That is fine.  Please book online when you are ready.

Can my carer be vaccinated at the same time?

Only if they also have received an invitation and have a unique booking code

What are your opening hours?

8am to 8pm

What if I do not have a mobile or email?

We ask for a mobile number or email to confirm your appointment time and location.  If you do not have a mobile or email, please make sure you write down the details of your appointment.

Can I be vaccinated at the same time as my partner/friend/family member who has not received an invitation?

If you receive an invitation and want to be vaccinated with a partner/friend/family member etc, you will need to wait until they also receive an invitation.  You will then be able to book appointments at the same time.

I do not have transport

Please try to arrange transport with family, friends, neighbours or local community groups – this is allowed under Covid lockdown regulations.  Suffolk On Board may be able to help but have very limited availability.  You can access this here

Can I bring a friend or relative with me?

You can transported to the vaccination site by a member of your household or by someone within your support bubble. You can only be accompanied inside the vaccination centre by one person.

At your vaccination appointment

How long will the appointment take?

We anticipate no more than 45 minutes

If I feel unwell on the day of my appointment

Do not attend if you feel unwell with symptoms of coronavirus.

If you have a minor illness without a fever please still attend.

If you feel very unwell do not attend until you have fully recovered.

Preparing for the vaccination

On the day of your vaccine, wear practical clothing so it’s easy to access your upper arm.  Bear in mind you may need to spend some time queuing outside. 

Remember to use the lavatory before attending.

What time shall I plan to arrive?

Please arrive at your appointment time.

The Vaccination

If you have a fear of needles or feel anxious, try to stay calm and let the person giving you your vaccine know. They will be understanding and can support you.

The vaccine will be given as an injection in the upper arm.

You will have been given an appointment for the second dose. Please attend as the second dose completes the course. It's important to get both doses to protect yourself.

What symptoms may I experience?

Some patients have reported a sore heavy arm for a day or two and a slight headache.  These symptoms are perfectly normal. Many people experience no after effects.

Can I go back to normal activities after having your vaccine?

You should be able to resume activities that are normal for you as long as you feel well. If your arm is particularly sore, you may find heavy lifting difficult. If you feel unwell or very tired you should rest and avoid operating machinery or driving.

Please see the priority order for the vaccination programme as of 15th January