Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Latest information

Get the latest national updates and advice from:

For information on the situation in Portsmouth and changes to any services, visit:

www.portsmouth.gov.uk/coronavirus

Coronavirus vaccination

Following extensive trials, we have safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 now available. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect people from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives.

The COVID-19 vaccination programme is the biggest in NHS history.

The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. The vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at local vaccination centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres.

It’s being given to anyone aged 16 and over.

The order in which people will be 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

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.

For information on the vaccination centre at St James Hospital and the temporary changes to travel around the site to help with traffic flow visit the Portsmouth City Council news pages.

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

Do not leave home if you, or someone you live with, has any of the following:

a high temperature
a new, continuous cough
a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

If you or someone you live with has any of these symptoms, no matter how mild, it’s important to visit the NHS website to find out what you need to do, including getting tested. You can book a test online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Support

Vulnerable residents

If you are in need of additional support during the coronavirus outbreak i.e. you are clinically vulnerable and you don’t have someone who can support you with things like getting food and medicines then HIVE Portsmouth can help. Call them on 023 9261 6709 (lines are open 9am-5pm Monday – Friday) or visit hiveportsmouth.org.uk for more information.

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

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