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Surrey Heath COVID-19 Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you are a registered patient with one of the following GP practices (surgery): Bartlett Group Practice (Frimley Green and Ash Vale) Camberley Health Centre (Camberley) Lightwater Practice (Lightwater) Park House Practice (Bagshot) Park Road Group Practice (Camberley, Old Dean and Heatherside) Station Road Practice (Frimley) Upper Gordon Road Practice (Camberley)
Your practice will arrange your vaccination in order of priority as set nationally. You will be invited to attend the Lakeside Country Club COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic, Wharf Road, Frimley Green, Camberley GU16 6PT.
This is by appointment only, do not turn up without an appointment, as you will be turned away.
You do not need to call your practice to make an appointment, as the practice will contact you when you are eligible by text, phone or letter.
If you have a question about your vaccination or need help booking your vaccination following an invitation, please call Surrey Heath Borough Council Contact Centre, who are working with our GP practices, on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm).
Below are some frequently asked questions:
1. Information about the COVID-19 vaccine 2. How will patients be invited for a vaccination? 3. Vaccination day – what do I need to know? 4. After my vaccination – what do I need to know?
1. Information about the COVID-19 vaccine
What is the COVID-19 vaccine? The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. The vaccine gives you the best protection against coronavirus and will be given as an injection in the upper arm. It's given as 2 doses. You will have the 2nd dose up to 12 weeks after having the 1st dose.
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Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine? The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.
In England, the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at local vaccination centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres. More centres are opening all the time.
It's being given to: people aged 64 and over people who are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable) people who are at moderate risk from coronavirus (clinically vulnerable) people who live or work in care homes health and social care workers people who are eligible for Carer's Allowance – find out more about Carer's Allowance on GOV.UK
The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Read the latest JCVI advice on priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccination on GOV.UK.
When will I get my vaccine? A prioritisation list has been produced in order for the vaccine to be delivered to groups who need it first. The NHS will contact you when you are eligible to receive the vaccine and provide you with information about location and date. Please don't contact the NHS or your practice to seek a vaccine before then.
Why is it important to get your COVID-19 vaccination? Getting your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you can, should protect you and may help to protect your family and those you care for.
The COVID-19 vaccine should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives and will therefore reduce pressure on the NHS and social care services.
If you’re a frontline health or social care worker, you are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 at work.
Is the NHS confident the vaccine is safe? Yes. The NHS will not offer any COVID-19 vaccinations to the public until experts have signed off that it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator, have said this
V1.4 24/02/2021 vaccine is very safe and highly effective, and we have full confidence in their expert judgement and processes.
As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process, and continued monitoring once it has been authorised and is being used in the wider population.
How effective is the COVID-19 vaccine? The 1st dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should give you good protection from coronavirus. But you need to have the 2 doses of the vaccine to give you longer lasting protection.
There is a chance you might still get or spread coronavirus even if you have the vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine that you have had has been shown to reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease. Each vaccine has been tested in more than 20,000 people in several different countries and shown to be safe.
It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.
This means it is important to: continue to follow social distancing guidance if you can, wear something that covers your nose and mouth in places where it's hard to stay away from other people
How many people have been vaccinated so far? Figures for the total numbers of people who have been vaccinated in the UK and across our region are updated regularly and can be seen here: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/healthcare
Is one vaccine better than the other – can I choose? People cannot choose which vaccine they receive. All available vaccines have to be approved by passing the Medicines & Healthcare Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) tests on safety and efficacy. So, people should be assured that whatever vaccine they get, it will be highly effective and protect them from coronavirus.
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.
Why has my 2nd vaccine dose been delayed and why is there a prioritisation of the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines?
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The four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have said that, ‘Prioritising the first doses of vaccine for as many people as possible on the priority list will protect the greatest number of at risk people overall in the shortest possible time’.
This means that second doses of both vaccines will be administered towards the end of the recommended vaccine dosing schedule of 12 weeks. This will maximise the number of people getting vaccinated and therefore receiving protection in the next 12 weeks; maximising the impact of the vaccine programme in its primary aims of reducing mortality and hospitalisations and protecting the NHS and equivalent health services.
Two doses of the vaccine are still needed to get the best protection from the virus.
Is the vaccine vegan/vegetarian friendly? Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any meat derivatives or porcine products.
If, and when, further vaccines are approved we will publish information about known allergens or ingredients that are important for certain faiths, cultures and beliefs.
What if I’ve taken part in a vaccine trial? If you have been taking part in a vaccine trial please continue to do so until you are offered the approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Once you are offered a vaccination appointment, please contact your trial coordinator to ask whether you have received an active vaccine already or not.
What is the evidence to show the vaccine is safe for BAME communities? The phase three study of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated a vaccine efficacy of 95%, with consistent efficacy across age, gender and ethnicity. Overall, among the participants who received the COVID-19 vaccine 82.1% were White, 9.6% were Black or African American, 26.1% were Hispanic/Latino, 4.3% were Asian and 0.7% were Native American/Alaskan.
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.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine protect me from flu? No, the COVID-19 vaccine will not protect you against the flu. If you have been offered a flu vaccine, please try to have this as soon as possible to help protect you, your family and patients from flu this winter.
Do people who have already had COVID-19 get vaccinated?
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Yes, they should get vaccinated. There is no evidence of any safety concerns from vaccinating individuals with a past history of COVID-19 infection, or with detectable COVID- 19 antibody, so people who have had COVID-19 disease (whether confirmed or suspected) can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it is their time to do so.
I’m currently ill with COVID-19, can I get the vaccine? People currently unwell and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until they have recovered.
I am pregnant, can I get vaccinated against COVID-19? There's no evidence the COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe if you're pregnant. But more evidence is needed before you can routinely be offered it.
The JCVI has updated its advice to recommend you may be able to have the vaccine if you're pregnant and:
at high risk of getting coronavirus because of where you work have a health condition that means you're at high risk of serious complications of coronavirus
You can have the COVID-19 vaccine if you're breastfeeding.
Speak to a healthcare professional before you have the vaccination. They will discuss the benefits and risks with you.
You do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination. The vaccine cannot give you or your baby COVID-19.
Please click here for more information.
2. How will patients be invited for a vaccination?
How will I be invited for a vaccination? When you are eligible for a vaccine you will be contacted by text, phone call or letter asking you to book an appointment.
Please don't contact the NHS or your practice to seek a vaccine before then.
In England, the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at local vaccination centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres. More centres are opening all the time.
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Local vaccination centre GP practices are working together as Primary Care Networks to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination programme. This means that you could be invited to a venue that is not your own GP practice. This planning safeguards against vaccine waste ensuring that the numbers of people that each facility is able to see in one week, is in line with the stock they receive. You will usually receive a phone call or text when you are invited to book your appointment at the local vaccination centre.
Larger vaccination centre Now that more doses of COVID-19 vaccine are available, the NHS is able to open Vaccination Centres at sites such as Salt Hill in Slough and Epsom Racecourse which offer the physical space to deal with large numbers of people being vaccinated while maintaining social distancing. These sites are vaccinating people who have booked through the national booking system.
Letters of invitation for the Vaccination Centres are sent from the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Booking Service, to those in the priority cohorts, living within 45 minutes of a Vaccination Centre.
People can either book via the national booking service, or wait to be contacted by their GP.
People must book one appointment only. If two appointments are booked, people must cancel the appointment they are not going to attend, to avoid vaccine wastage and ensure we can reach as many people as we can as quickly as possible.
Local pharmacy In line with the national announcement, across the Frimley Health and Care ICS, Church Crookham pharmacy began vaccinating on 21 January. People who have received their letter with details of the national booking system will be able to book their appointment at the pharmacy, or choose an alternative venue option that is closer to them. For more information, please click here.
Vaccinating people aged 65 to 69 and the clinically vulnerable The NHS is now vaccinating those aged 65 to 69 (as of Monday 15 February 2021) as well as people who are clinically vulnerable.
Please read about the latest changes here.
You can arrange a vaccination through the national booking service, here: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination
Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.
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Vaccinating people aged 70 and over People aged 70 and over who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID and who would like to, are being asked to contact the NHS.
Until now the NHS has asked people to wait until they are contacted to help ensure that those who are most vulnerable are protected first - and that remains the case for most people.
However, to ensure absolutely everyone is offered the vaccine, people aged 70 and over can now contact the NHS so they can be vaccinated.
The easiest way to arrange a vaccination is through the national booking service which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination
The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location that suits them.
Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.
If a suitable and convenient slot is not available people can also call their GP practice.
Many who have not yet booked an appointment are already receiving follow up letters and phone calls this week to encourage them to take up the offer of a jab.
I have been invited to a larger vaccination centre but I can’t travel there. Can I wait to have my vaccine closer to home? Yes. Vaccination Centres have been setup in Slough as well as Epsom and Basingstoke. If you can travel, you are encouraged to have the vaccine as soon as you can. You will not miss out though if you do not want to go to the larger venues. If you would rather have your vaccine closer to home, you don’t need to do anything with the letter and your GP will contact you in the next few weeks to book you in locally. Please don't contact them.
Whichever site you attend for your first dose, you will need to go back to the same site for your second dose.
Is my invite genuine or could it be a scam? There have been some reports of scams related to the coronavirus vaccine.
The coronavirus vaccine in England will only be available via NHS England, you may be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy to receive your vaccine, this may be over the phone, via letter, email or text message. If you have received a text message from your GP practice asking you to book, it will be through a book.nhs.me link.
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The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge on the NHS. The NHS will never ask for: your bank account or card details your pin or banking password copies of personal documents to prove your identity such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips
If you think you have been a victim of fraud or identify theft, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If you have had a text asking you to book but are having issues with booking or you aren’t sure if it is legitimate, please call Surrey Heath Borough Council who are working with Surrey Heath GP practices on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm).
I have a text asking me to book an appointment but I’m having issues with making a booking Please call Surrey Heath Borough Council who are working with Surrey Heath GP practices on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm).
What if I can’t make any of the appointments currently available? If you can’t make any of the appointments currently available, please be reassured that there will be more appointments available in the near future. We advise that you check appointment times again after a few days either via the SMS text you received or by calling 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm).
If I missed an appointment or didn’t book one when invited, have I missed my chance? There’s currently no time limit for getting vaccinated. If you’re asked to book an appointment it means you’re eligible to have the vaccine. Follow the directions on your email, letter or text to make an appointment.
How do I cancel/rearrange my booking? If you booked your invite via SMS, you should have received a text which contains a link to reschedule or cancel your appointment.
If not, please call Surrey Heath Borough Council who are working with Surrey Heath GP practices on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm)
When will care home residents and housebound patients get their vaccine? Across our Frimley Health and Care ICS, we are on track to vaccinate in all our eligible care homes.
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Those who are housebound will be contacted by their GP services about how they will be vaccinated.
I'm a carer, will I be offered a COVID-19 vaccine? Unpaid carers will receive a vaccine at the cohort 6 stage (view priority groups on the GOV.UK website here).
Unpaid carers are identified as those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
To read more from Carers UK in regards to the Covid-19 vaccination, please click here.
I am front line health/social care worker – how can I get vaccinated? All frontline health and social care workers will be eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination regardless of whether they work in hospitals, people’s homes or another setting, and regardless of who employs them. More information is available here.
I’m a private healthcare provider (e.g. physiotherapist), when will I be able to get a vaccine? Front line health and care workers are part of the priority groups. Please click here for the email address and detail about what information to provide to facilitate your booking.
I am a key worker – can I get vaccinated? The national vaccine strategy which informs how we are able to deliver the vaccine across our Frimley Health and Care ICS is based on the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Complete details regarding the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination can be found here.
I am staying with family/friends temporarily, will I miss out on being vaccinated where I usually live? If you are not planning to return home before lockdown ends, or perhaps not planning to return to your usual home at all, contact your local GP practice.
I have recently had a letter saying I’ve been identified as someone thought to be clinically extremely vulnerable – when will I receive my vaccine? Clinically extremely vulnerable adults are receiving priority access to vaccination against COVID-19 before the general population. People are being contacted about vaccinations by the NHS, but if you have not been offered a vaccination, we are now asking you to come forward to book a vaccination.
You can arrange a vaccination is through the national booking service which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location that suits them. Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge,
V1.4 24/02/2021 anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. If a suitable and convenient slot is not available, you can also call your GP practice.
I have been offered a vaccine but don’t think I’m eligible yet – has there been a mistake? If you have received an invite but don’t think you are eligible please call Surrey Heath Borough Council Contact Centre on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm) who will look into this for you.
3. Vaccination day – what do I need to know?
Where is the local COVID-19 vaccination centre? The COVID-19 vaccination centre for GP practices is at Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green. This is not a drive thru centre. Please follow the signs to the car park. There will be marshals on site.
Lakeside Country Club Wharf Road Frimley Green Camberley GU16 6PT
What happens at the appointment? You appointment will involve: being checked in answering questions about your medical history being given information about the vaccination and information about your second vaccine having the vaccination
Depending on which vaccination you have, you may be asked to wait for around 15 minutes after having the vaccination (Pfizer vaccine only). This is in the unlikely event you have a reaction to the vaccine.
How long is an appointment? Each appointment is 5 minutes long and in addition, depending on which vaccination you have, you may be required to wait in a waiting area for 15 minutes before leaving the venue.
Please allow 30-45 minutes in total.
Why are you holding vaccinations at Lakeside?
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GP practices are working together as Primary Care Networks to deliver the Covid-19 vaccination programme. This planning safeguards against vaccine waste ensuring that the numbers of people that each facility is able to see in one week, is in line with the stock they receive.
Lakeside Country Club enables people across the area to be vaccinated whilst maintaining social distancing and strict infection prevention and control measures. It has plenty of free parking available and is accessible.
I can’t drive/don’t have access to a vehicle – how can I get to the vaccination centre? If you are unable to get to the centre, ask a family member or friend to help if possible. Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) dial a ride service is also providing a free service to the Lakeside vaccination which runs from Monday to Friday and at weekends. For more information call 01276 707655. If you live within Guildford Borough you can contact the Guildford Borough Dial-A-Ride service on 01483 458052.
There are also voluntary driver services available in the community. Please call Surrey Heath Borough Council Contact Centre on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am- 5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm) for more information.
If you are going to book a taxi to and or from the vaccination clinic do check the Surrey Heath Borough Council advice.
If you are taking the bus - Lakeside is on the route operated by three bus companies. Dickson Travel Route 48, has a request stop on Wharf Road, in front of the hotel, which is shared by Stagecoach's Route 11 bus. Stagecoach also operates Route 3 and its closest stop is the Rose and Thistle on Frimley Green Road which is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Do I need an appointment? Yes, we are only vaccinating pre-arranged booked appointments.
The NHS will contact you when it’s the right time to come forward, so please don't contact the NHS or your practice to seek a vaccine before then.
Are there any known or anticipated side effects? Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them. Even if you do have symptoms after the first dose, you still need to have the second dose. You may not be protected until at least seven days after your second dose of the vaccine.
Very common side effects include: Having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1-2 days after the vaccine Feeling tired
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Headache General aches, or mild flu like symptoms As with all vaccines, appropriate treatment and care will be available in case of a rare anaphylactic event following administration.
You can take painkillers, such as paracetamol, if you need to.
If you have a high temperature you may have coronavirus or another infection.
If your symptoms get worse or you are worried, call 111.
Can I bring someone with me (e.g. family member, friend, carer)? We ask that you only bring someone to your appointment if absolutely necessary, for example if you need assistance. If you are able to attend on your own please do so we can keep the number of people in the venue to a minimum.
Please be aware it is not possible to vaccinate people who come with you, unless they have also been invited for a vaccination.
Can my carer/family member get vaccinated at the same time? We are only vaccinating pre-arranged booked appointments in line with national guidance on the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination. The NHS will contact you when it’s the right time to come forward, so please don't contact the NHS or your practice to seek a vaccine before then.
It is not possible to vaccinate people who come with you, unless they have also been invited for a vaccination.
Will the venue be COVID safe? Yes, strict infection prevention and control measures will be in place.
What do I need to bring? We ask that all patients wear face masks when arriving at the centre unless they have an exemption. If you need a walking aid or wheelchair please bring this with you as you will need to move through the building. There are plenty of wheelchairs available at the venue if required.
If you are a health or social care worker you may need to bring proof of occupation.
Will I need to wear a mask? We ask that all patients wear face masks when arriving at the centre unless they have an exemption.
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Will there be long waits? There shouldn’t be a long wait, as all the people waiting have been timed to the number of vaccinators available. You will be temperature checked on your way in and directed to a seated waiting area. You will be asked a number of questions by the vaccinator to make sure it’s safe for you to be vaccinated. Depending on the type of vaccine used, you may have to wait another 15 minutes after the jab has been given to ensure there is no immediate adverse reaction. You will be advised if there is a waiting time.
How far do I need to walk at the venue? You will need to move through the venue to get your vaccination. This will include walking from the car park to the check in desk, to the vaccinator and then the waiting area where you may need to wait for 15 minutes before exiting the venue.
There are plenty of chairs throughout the venue and wheelchairs are available.
If you need assistance or help getting through the venue, you can bring someone with you if you need to and there will be plenty of marshals at the venue who can help.
Which vaccine will I be offered? There are currently 2 vaccinations available - Pfizer and Oxford AstraZeneca. Both vaccines are very effective. You cannot choose which vaccine you receive – we strongly advise that you have your vaccine when you are offered it.
If you have had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine it is not recommended to have the Pfizer vaccine.
What if I have had serious allergic reactions in the past? Tell healthcare staff before you are vaccinated if you've ever had a serious allergic reaction.
You should not have the COVID-19 vaccine if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to: a previous dose of the same vaccine any of the ingredients in the vaccine
Serious allergic reactions are rare. If you do have a reaction to the vaccine, it usually happens in minutes. Staff giving the vaccine are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
What if I feel unwell before my appointment? If you feel unwell with a high temperature on the day of your booking, it's best to delay having the COVID-19 vaccine until you have recovered.
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If you are displaying COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), do not come to the COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Please cancel and rearrange your booking. If you have COVID-19 symptoms you must get tested.
If you booked your invite via SMS, you should have received a text which contains a link to reschedule or cancel your appointment. Otherwise, please call Surrey Heath Borough Council who are working with Surrey Heath GP practices on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm)
When do I need to arrive? Please ensure you arrive on time for your appointment. Depending on the vaccination you have, you may be required to stay for 15 minutes after the vaccination.
Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your appointment time as we may not be able to accommodate you and you may be asked to return at your specified time.
I have a poor memory, how do I find out when I have my appointment as I have forgotten? If you have booked using our text message service, you will receive a text reminder the day before your appointment. If you have not booked using our text message service you can call Surrey Heath Borough Council who are working with Surrey Heath GP practices on 01276 707100 (Monday –Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm) to find out.
What if I’m running late or miss my appointment? If you are running late, the clinic staff will do all they can to give you an appointment when you arrive.
If you miss your appointment, you may be able to rebook using the text message received or by calling Surrey Heath Borough Council who are working with Surrey Heath GP practices on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm). However, you may have to wait to be re-invited in the near future.
Is there disabled access/ disabled parking? Yes, the venue has disabled access and there is plenty of disabled parking available – please let the marshals know.
Are wheelchairs available at the venue? Yes, there are plenty of wheelchairs available at the venue if required.
Is there room for a roller, walking stick or wheelchair? Yes, there is plenty of room in the venue. If you need a walking aid or wheelchair please bring this with you as you will need to move through the building. There are wheelchairs available at the venue if required.
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What should I wear? On the day of your vaccine, wear practical clothing so it’s easy to access your upper arm. The venue will be well ventilated and may be cold during winter so please dress accordingly.
Is there parking available? What is the venue like? Can I visit the venue beforehand? There is plenty of free parking available at Lakeside Country Club with clear signposting and plenty of marshals on site so there is no need to arrive early or visit the site in advance.
What if there is adverse weather? Unless you hear otherwise, your appointment will be going ahead as planned. Please attend your appointment if it is safe to do so. If you cannot make it due to adverse weather, please be reassured that you will be re-invited in the near future.
I have a Learning Disability and I am a bit worried about coming to the Vaccination Centre If you, your family or carers have any concerns before you book your appointment, call Surrey Heath Borough Council who are working with Surrey Heath GP practices on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm) and advise them you have additional support needs.
The contact centre will try to arrange appointments at the very beginning or very end of the day, when it is quieter. Or, when available, on a morning or afternoon small numbers of people session to accommodate those with additional needs. If travelling to the vaccination centre is not appropriate for you, the contact centre will make other arrangements with your GP practice for your vaccination.
When you arrive at the vaccination centre, alert any of the staff or volunteers and they will arrange for you needs to be met. This will be a discussion with you, on an individual basis, but might include a coloured card to alert the clinical staff and volunteers to be aware you may need extra support, individual support at each stage of the vaccination process or access to a quite space if needed.
I worried about coming to the vaccination centre or have additional needs If you, your family or carers have any concerns before you book your appointment, call Surrey Heath Borough Council who are working with Surrey Heath GP practices on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm) and advise them you have additional support needs.
When you arrive at the vaccination centre, please let any of the staff or volunteers know what your worries or needs are and they will arrange for you needs to be met. This will be a discussion with you, on an individual basis, but might include a coloured card so the clinical
V1.4 24/02/2021 staff and volunteers are aware you may need extra support, individual support at each stage of the vaccination process or access to a quite space if needed.
4. After my vaccination – what do I need to know?
Once I’ve had the vaccine do I still need to follow the restrictions and government guidance? Yes. We’re not yet sure whether having the vaccine prevents you from passing COVID-19 onto others. This means it is important to continue to follow social distancing guidance and if you can, wear something that covers your nose and mouth in places where it's hard to stay away from other people.
If you are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable and shielding guidance is in place where you live, you will need to continue to shield until advised that you don’t need to.
I’m clinically extremely vulnerable and I’ve had my COVID-19 vaccine. Do I still need to shield? Yes. People who are clinically extremely vulnerable should continue to shield even after being fully vaccinated against the virus.
Updated shielding guidance (5/1/21) outlines that clinically extremely vulnerable will get priority access to vaccination against COVID-19 before the general population and in line with the priority ordering set by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). You will be contacted again by the NHS with more information on when and how you will be invited to get the vaccine.
The vaccine is likely to make an important contribution towards protecting you from COVID- 19. Clinically extremely vulnerable people are expected to receive a vaccination against COVID-19 before the general population. Your local NHS will ensure that you can receive the vaccine as safely as possible, as well as any care and support needed. Even if you have had both doses of the vaccine, you should continue to follow this shielding advice, until further notice as we continue to assess the impact of vaccination among all groups. The people you live with should continue to follow the public health rules and guidance as long as they are in place, including if you have received the vaccine and also if they have received the vaccine.
When will I get my second vaccine? The guidance recommends that as many people on the priority list as possible should be offered a first vaccine dose as the initial priority. This will mean that second doses of both vaccines will be administered towards the end of the recommended vaccine dosing schedule of 12 weeks. This will maximise the number of people getting vaccine and therefore receiving protection in the next 12 weeks.
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What if I can’t attend my second appointment? It is advised that the second dose is given up to 12 weeks after the first, but can be safely given later. If there is an unavoidable delay then please attend for your second dose when you can.
If you booked your invite via SMS, you should have received a text which contains a link to reschedule or cancel your appointment.
If not, please call Surrey Heath Borough Council who are working with Surrey Heath GP practices on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm)
Additional Information NHS COVID-19 vaccine information Patient information materials (including translation and alternative formats) Priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination (JCVI) COVID-19 Vaccination Information COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs
Question not answered? If you can’t find an answer to your question or need help with making a booking once you have received an invite, please call the Surrey Heath Borough Council Contact Centre on 01276 707100 (Monday – Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm)
If you have questions at any point while at the Lakeside Vaccination Clinic, please talk to any the clinic team, including the volunteer marshals, they are there to make sure your visit as safe and stress free as possible.