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Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus vaccination
Millions of people in the UK have received their COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccine is safe and effective, and provides the best protection from COVID-19.
Research has shown the vaccines help:
- Reduce risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
- Reduce risk of catching or spreading COVID-19
- Protect against COVID-19 variants
- Reduce risk of getting Long COVID
The COVID-19 vaccination programme is the biggest in NHS history.
The vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at local vaccination centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres.
The order in which people are offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver the vaccine while at the same time continuing to be there for everyone who needs care. Here’s how we can help them:
- Please attend your booked appointments at the time you’re asked to.
- If you attend a walk-in clinic, please follow the guidance at that location. Find out where your nearest walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic is.
- Please continue to follow all the guidance in place to control the virus and save lives, even if you’ve already had your vaccine.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge on the NHS and they’ll never ask for your bank account or card details
Booster vaccination programme
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement that every adult will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine by the end of December, we are working closely with our colleagues across the NHS to increase capacity and deliver the vaccination programme.
There are several ways to access the COVID-19 vaccine and we are working incredibly hard to increase what is already available. You can get your COVID-19 booster at:
- A local GP practice – more appointments within local practices will be available in the coming weeks. You may be invited to attend your practice or a different one nearby. Do not contact your practice to ask for an appointment – please wait to be contacted.
- A vaccination centre – such as St. James’s Hospital in Portsmouth. More booked appointments will be available on the National Booking Service in the coming weeks.
- Some local pharmacies – NHS England has arranged for some pharmacies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to provide the booster vaccination. This is by appointment only through the National Booking Service.
Appointments will be added to the NHS National Booking Service so please keep checking and use this to book your appointment. Alternatively, you can call 119, or you may be contacted by your GP practice.
Useful links:
- NHS National Booking Service
- Prime Minister’s address to the nation on 12 December 2021
- Portsmouth City Council COVID webpages
If you’ve not had your first or second dose of the vaccination, it’s not too late – you can book now or attend a walk-in clinic.
Further information
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that might be useful for you.
You can also find more information about the COVID-19 vaccine on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine.
We’re aware of some reported scams relating to the COVID-19 vaccination. Find out more about how you can protect yourself.
Symptoms and testing
If you have symptoms of COVID-19
Get a PCR test as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms, even if mild:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Stay at home until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test. Check if people you live with need to self-isolate
Regular tests if you do not have symptoms
Anyone can now get regular rapid lateral flow tests without having symptoms.
About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.
Even if you’re vaccinated, there’s still a chance you can pass COVID-19 on, so you should keep getting tested regularly.
Support
Wellbeing advice
Many factors can influence our physical and psychological wellbeing. There are many options available to help you keep healthy and happy if you find that you’re struggling with your mental health at the moment.
- Every Mind Matters – visit the NHS Every Mind Matters website. Take the Your Mind Plan quiz to get started today with a free plan, expert advice and practical tips.
- Positive Minds is a service for anyone who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or a feeling of hopelessness. You can call 023 9282 7495 to get help from a trained Wellbeing Advisor, Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4.30pm and Friday 9.30am to 4pm, or visit the Positive Minds website to find out more about the service.
- Solent Mind – experienced advisers can offer support to those feeling anxious or low as well as practical guidance on keeping mentally well during isolation, visit the Solent Mind website. For out of hours support call, you can call 023 8017 9049 (Monday to Friday, 8-9am and 5-8pm, Saturday to Sunday, 9am-5pm).
- NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service – call 111 or visit the NHS 111 website.
- Five steps to mental wellbeing – visit the NHS website ‘5 steps to mental wellbeing’.
- If you are self-isolating – read advice from mental health charity MIND on managing your mental health in relation to coronavirus and self-isolating.
NHS Covid-19 app
Using the NHS COVID-19 app helps stop the spread of the virus. It tells you if you’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus later (even if you don’t know each other). The app is free and easy to use, and can help you protect your loved ones and others.
The app also allows people to report symptoms, order a coronavirus test and check in to venues using a QR code. To help protect yourself and others, download and use the latest version of the NHS COVID-19 app.
The app tracks coronavirus, not you. It doesn’t store any personal information about you or track your location. It can’t access your phone contacts. It keeps your privacy and identity secure.
The app is available in different languages and is easy to download for free. Search ‘NHS Covid19’ where you usually get your apps from on your smartphone
For more information including a video explaining the app, visit covid19.nhs.uk
