Coronavirus and shielding / distancing measures

Ramadan is due to start on the evening of Monday 12 April 2021 and we urge our Muslim patients not to delay having their COVID-19 vaccine – first or second dose – during the holy month.

The British Islamic Medical Association has reviewed the analysis of Islamic scholars and confirmed that having the vaccine does not invalidate the fast. The vaccine does not contain pork or other animal, foetal or alcohol products - this reflects the advice of the majority of Islamic scholars that it is permissible.? If you are still unsure whether you should have a vaccine during Ramadan, please speak to your local Imam for guidance.

If you are taking prescribed medicines, you should continue taking them during Ramadan, but check with your GP if the doses need to be adjusted or the times that you take them need to be changed.

If you have diabetes and want to fast, please speak to your GP or diabetes nurse about the safest way to do this. Remember that there is an exemption for people with diabetes, especially if you’re on insulin or have any medical complications.

https://www.eastlondonhcp.nhs.uk/ourplans/ramadan-and-the-vaccine.htm

If you are aged 70 and over or are clinically extremely vulnerable (high risk) and have not been contacted about having your first vaccine, please contact your GP for a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are a frontline health and social care worker,please book on the national booking system or using the staff booking system applicable in your organisation.

If you are aged 65-69 please book onto the national booking system for a list of vaccination sites or wait to get a letter from the NHS or be contacted by your GP.

If you are clinically vulnerable (moderate risk) or you are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or if you are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill, we are vaccinating people in this cohort, but please wait for your GP or council to contact you.

The NHS is prioritising vaccinating people who experts have agreed will benefit the most. We will let you know when it is your turn. Please see here for advice.

There is comprehensive information, guidance, and answers to questions, including vaccination information for frontline health and social care staff, carers and clinical vulnerable (moderate risk)at COVID-19 Vaccination programme | East London Health & Care Partnership (eastlondonhcp.nhs.uk)

Getting the help you need

The NHS in London is very busy as coronavirus infection rates continue to be high, but we’ll help you get urgent care when you need it.

Most consultations are over the phone and via video. This is for everyone's safety.

We will assess your situation and invite you into the practice if needed. We can arrange same-day appointments if you need urgent care but please don't visit without an appointment. Appointments will be held in the best way to keep you safe from Covid.

You can also contact 111, day or night, for other urgent health advice - including if you have concerns about your Covid-19 symptoms.

Please remember that 999 and A&E are for emergencies.

Please help reduce infections, protect the NHS and keep each other safe by following the latest rules.

COVID-19 vaccine messages from Barts Health NHS Trust staff in 12 languages

Staff at Barts Health NHS Trust have rallied together to encourage everyone to have a Covid-19 vaccine, sharing messages in their mother tongue. The messages are shared in 12 different languages, including: Punjabi, Bengali, Turkish, French and Urdu.

https://www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/news/staff-share-covid19-vaccine-messages-in-12-languages-10107

Free Uber service available for older people having a COVID vaccination

Age UK is offering transport support for older people who need help getting to their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. The team can collect patients from their home in an Uber cab and take them to their vaccination site. Drivers will wait while you patients have their vaccine and then take them back home.

This service is completely free to use for people who meet the criteria listed – see link below. Patients who meet criteria and would like to use this service can call 07754 751 079 or 020 8981 7124. It is important that patients have already booked their vaccine appointment.

https://thcvs.org.uk/news/age-uk-vaccination-and-transport-support/

To answer frequent questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, a new chatbot has been launched by East London HCP for people living north east London. The chatbot answers vaccine questions on topics such as having the two doses, priority groups and phasing and the vaccination centres in north east London.

https://chats.landbot.io/v2/H-795742-BHI8WO9LQUI1E4TM/index.html

See https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus for further information

Most people with chronic conditions do not fall into the “shielding” category as defined by NHS England, but should be following stringent social distancing measures