Coronavirus (Covid-19): service updates, support and health advice.

National rules and restrictions during coronavirus can be found on GOV.UK

Vaccination

The NHS has information about the coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine.

NHS and Public Health England have the following easy-read leaflets:

An easy-read consent form for adults is available to download on GOV.UK.

Beware of vaccine scams. You will never be asked personal information or for payment as part of the NHS free Covid-19 vaccination programme. 

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The vaccine

Nearly 40 million people have been given the vaccine in the UK and reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are very rare.

You cannot catch Covid-19 from the vaccine.

The vaccines approved for use in the UK meet strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

There is no evidence that the vaccine affects fertility.

There is no material of foetal or animal origin in either vaccine, including meat derivatives, porcine products or gelatine.

AstraZeneca vaccine

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have announced changes to the guidance around the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine.

This is in relation to the extremely rare (around 4 people for every million doses of AZ vaccine doses given) blood clots and low platelet count in a small number of people following vaccination with the first dose of AstraZeneca.

As this is seen slightly more often in younger people, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises that it is preferable for adults aged under 30 with no additional risk factors to receive an alternative first vaccine.

If you have already had a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine without serious side-effects you should complete the course.

Public Health England has further information on the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The vaccination programme

The vaccination programme is organised in phases. There are nine priority groups for vaccination.

The vaccination programme is organised in phases. Everyone within the nine priority groups in phase one should have been invited for vaccination and individuals in group 10 (aged 45-49) are now able to book an appointment using the national booking service.

GOV.UK has information on the groups and the order of vaccination.

Vaccination appointments

Visit the NHS website to check if you are eligible and book an appointment.

You cannot choose which vaccination you get (with the exception of people aged under 30 who are being offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca vaccine).

Vaccination sites

The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s Healthier Together website has a list of vaccination sites.

People who work in social care

People with hands-on roles in social care who have been offered their Covid-19 vaccination include:

  • care home staff
  • personal assistants for individuals receiving Direct Payments
  • carers in supported living or extra care housing settings
  • day centre staff
  • domiciliary care workers

If you or your staff have not been invited to get vaccinated,

If you or your staff have not been invited to get vaccinated, you can use the national booking service or contact us by email vaccinebooking@southglos.gov.uk.

Unpaid carers

If you get Carer’s Allowance or are the sole or main carer for a clinically vulnerable person you are in priority group 6 and should have been invited to get vaccinated.

You can find out more on our support for carers page.

Other things that can help

The government has provided British Sign Language (BSL) resources about the Covid-19 vaccine:

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