In this current climate, we at The Aspire Wellbeing Centre know that there are many questions surrounding the introduction of vaccinations, especially if you or someone you care for, come under the category of being vulnerable. So to answer some of the most commonly asked questions we receive, we have produced a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) in the hope that it helps to answer some of those queries and misunderstandings.

This is just a general guide and if you are still in doubt or need specialised advice please speak to your GP or Medical Practitioner.

When will it be my turn to get vaccinated?

When it is the right time, you will receive an invitation to come forward. For most people in south east London this will be in the form of a letter, phone call or text message from the NHS or a call either from their GP, a local hospital or the national booking system. Whatever the method, it will include all the information you need – including your NHS number.

Services are finding ways to ensure contact is made with all patients in the 1-4 priority groups, through phone calls (mobile or landline), texts, letters or via emergency contacts from a patient’s records.

However, those people aged 70 and over (priority groups 1-4) who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID and who would like to be are now able to contact the NHS to arrange a jab. The easiest way for people aged 70 and over to arrange a vaccination is through the national booking service which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination

When you book your first dose, you may be asked to book your second too. For most people this will be within three months of your first dose. The UK Chief Medical Officers have agreed this longer timeframe so that more people can get their first dose quickly, and because the evidence shows that one dose offers a high level of protection. Getting both doses remains important, so we would urge people to return for it at the right time.

We know many of you are eager to get protected but we are asking you not to contact the NHS or your GP practice (unless you are over 70) to get an appointment until you are contacted to do so. We have not forgotten about you and when it is your turn the NHS will contact you. The NHS is working hard to make sure those at greatest risk are offered the vaccine first.

It is important to note that you may not necessarily receive your vaccine at your usual GP practice but could be asked to attend at another NHS site or vaccination centre.

Can vaccines be mixed? After receiving my first dose, does the 2nd dose have to be the same vaccine or can I get a different one?

“JCVI advises that he second vaccine dose should be with the same vaccine as the first dose. Switching between vaccines or missing the second dose is not advised as this may affect the duration of protection.” https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-advice-from-the-jcvi-30-december-2020/joint-committee-on-vaccination-and-immunisation-advice-on-priority-groups-for-covid-19-vaccination-30-december-2020

If someone has sickle cell can they take the vaccine?

If you have sickle cell disease you may be at higher risk for some COVID-19 complications. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against coronavirus. In partnership with the National Haemoglobinopathy Panel, the UK Forum on Haemoglobin Disorders and the UK Thalassaemia Society as well as the Sickle Cell Society have issued a statement along with information specific to the COVID-19 vaccination in patients with haemoglobinopathies and rare inherited anaemias (including sickle cell disorder) – https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/coronavirus-and-scd/.

Do we have a choice in which vaccine we have?

No. Any vaccines that are available will have been approved because they pass the MHRA’s rigorous tests on safety and efficacy, so you should be assured that whatever vaccine you get, it will be safe and effective.

Is it safe for me to get a vaccine if I have an underlying medical condition?

Yes, for both vaccines trial participants included a range of those from various ages, immune-compromised and those with underlying health conditions, and both found the effectiveness of the vaccine is high throughout all the groups.

Contact your GP for advice on individual illnesses as advice may vary depending on individual circumstances

My brother who I care for is over 70, has a learning disability and is also on medication for epilepsy. I am anxious about agreeing for him to have the vaccination – should I be? Were the vaccines tested on high-risk groups?

Yes, for both vaccines trial participants included a range of those from various ages, immune-compromised and those with underlying health conditions, and both found the effectiveness of the vaccine is high through all the groups.

Individuals over 70 are considered clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 and are in the priority groups to receive a vaccine.

Contact your GP for advice on individual illnesses as advice may vary depending on individual circumstances.