COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

GOVERNMENT COVID-19 ADVICE

The Covid vaccination programme started in January. We are now a Phase 3 covid vaccination site so we can offer first, second and booster doses of Pfizer (now known as COMIRNATY) and Moderna (Spikevax).

Booster vaccine doses are now available for all adults at three months from the date of your second vaccine.

If you have not yet had your booster, you can call us, 119 or you may be invited to book in with us via text.

New appointments are being added every day. 

Patients are only eligible for a booster dose if it has been at least 3 months after they had their 2nd dose.

Covid boosters now appear in the travel covid pass section of the NHS App, however they currently do not show in the domestic covid travel pass. Please click here to read more.

The advisory 15 minute wait after the covid booster vaccination has been temporarily suspended. If you have a history of allergies, particularly to other vaccines, or if you had an immediate reaction after your previous doses, you may be advised to stay for the 15 minutes. If you attend for a 1st or 2nd dose, you are still required to wait. You must not drive for 15minutes after you vaccination. Please see the advice leaflet here.

Waiting after your COVID-19 Booster appointment

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.

You are able show your COVID-19 vaccination status as proof using 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 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.

Commmonly asked Questions and Answers

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. The is no need to leave a gap between them.

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

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. The covid booster will be primarily Pfizer, with Moderna if you cannot have Pfizer.

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

That is fine.  Please book when you are ready.

At your vaccination appointment

How long will the appointment take?

We anticipate no more than 45 minutes, including your 15 post-vaccination wait.

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. You should not drive for first the 15 mins after your appointment.