The government has issued a guidance on 4th January 2022 regarding the third primary dose and COVID-19 treatment to eligible patients with weakened immune system.
Who can have a COVID-19 treatment
Treatments for COVID-19 are for people aged 12 and over who have tested positive for the virus and are at highest risk of getting seriously ill.
This includes some people who have:
- Down's syndrome
- a rare condition affecting the brain or nerves (including multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Huntington’s disease or myasthenia gravis)
- sickle cell disease
- certain types of cancer
- HIV or AIDS
- a severe liver condition (such as cirrhosis)
- chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5
- had an organ transplant
- certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease)
- a condition or treatment that makes you more likely to get infections
- had certain types of chemotherapy in the last 12 months
- had radiotherapy in the last 6 months
Those who have been identified as patient with weakened immune system will be sent a PCR test kit. You should take the test as soon as possible, even if your symptoms are mild. The NHS will contact you within 24 hours of your positive PCR test result. They will advise you which treatment, if any, is suitable for you. The local hospital pharmacy will usually arrange for the medicine to be delivered to you if the suitable treatment is Molnupiravir which comes in the form of capsules or Sotrovimab which is given through a drip in your arm. This is done at the local hospital or health centre. Please note GP surgeries are unable to start the treatment and you have to wait for the NHS to contact you for this. For more information, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/treatments-for-coronavirus/
Get your NHS COVID Pass letter via https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/get-your-covid-pass-letter/ or call 119 to request one. The letter will be posted to your home address registered with us within five working days. You can also use the digital version via NHS app.You can use this service if the following apply:
- you've had 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
- you had your vaccination in England
- you’re aged 16 or over
Covid 19 Vaccination Message for Patients
Covid-19 booster vaccination programme has started and eligible patients (six months after second dose of COVID vaccination) are invited to book an appointment. The vaccination will be held at Raphael's House, Victoria Centre, 8 Pettits Lane, Romford RM1 4HL.
Primary Vaccination:
If you have been vaccinated in the hospital or other community settings and not at Victoria Centre, please contact your consultant or the place you have been vaccinated to give an appointment for your second dose.
Thank you.
Address of the local vaccination centre: Raphaels House, Victoria Centre, 8 Pettits Lane, RM1 4HP
COVID-19 Vaccine: The NHS will get in touch when it’s your turn to be vaccinated – please do not contact the Surgery before then
The vaccine may not be given at your GP Practice but at another local vaccination service
Side effects
What are the 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.
Although you may get some protection from the first dose, having the second dose will give you the best protection against the virus.
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
- headache
- general aches, or mild flu-like symptoms
Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for two to three days, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection.
An uncommon side effect is swelling of the glands. You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better.
These symptoms normally last less than a week. If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, contact the Surgery. If you do seek advice from a doctor or nurse, make sure you tell them about your vaccination so that they can assess you properly.
You can also report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme.
You can do this online by visiting the Coronavirus Yellow Card or by downloading the Yellow Card app.