From MSE Hospitals NHS Trust, made up of Southend, Basildon and Southend hospitals:
Vaccination hubs will open at Broomfield Hospital and Southend Hospital this week, in addition to the existing vaccination hub at Basildon Hospital.
The hospitals will continue to offer vaccinations to people over 80 as well as priority frontline health and care staff.
Some questions answered: These questions and answers relate to the vaccination hubs at Mid and South Essex Hospitals.
Q. I have received a text message – is it a scam?
A. If you have received a text message from Basildon, Broomfield or Southend Hospital it means that you are eligible to have the COVID-19 vaccine. The text you have received will have clear NHS Mid and South Essex (MSE) branding with a link that allows you to book an appointment and there will also be a telephone line option. If you are concerned that the message is a scam, please call 01245 515 919.
The Government has asked us to initially focus on those who are at highest risk of serious COVID complications – this principally being people who are over 80 years old, alongside people who work in care homes and some people who work in health and care who are classified as ‘high risk’.
Q. When will the second dose will be given?
The COVID-19 vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm. It's given as 2 doses.
The latest evidence suggests the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine provides protection for most people for up to 3 months.
As a result of this evidence, when you can have the second dose has changed. This is also to make sure as many people can have the vaccine as possible.
The second dose was previously 21 days after having the first dose, but has now changed to 12 weeks after. If you: have already had your 1st dose and are due to have your 2nd dose after Monday 4 January, the NHS will contact you about when you'll have your 2nd dose are due to have your 1st dose after Wednesday 30 December, you'll be given your 2nd dose 12 weeks later Q. I have no transport to get to one of the hospital vaccination hubs, what can I do?
A. If you are unable to get to the hospital vaccination hub you will still be offered the vaccination, possibly in your own home, on another date by your primary care provider. There are no patient transport services available for the vaccination programme.
Q. I don’t want to travel to hospital for the vaccine as it’s a COVID risk.
A. Our hospital vaccination hubs are safe and COVID secure. Any person needing to come to hospital should attend if they possibly can. The Basildon vaccination hub is inside the main entrance to the hospital in a newly built vaccination centre. Southend and Broomfield Hospitals' hubs can be accessed without entering the main hospital buildings. Please follow the signs to the vaccination hubs. Those attending for their appointment must wear a mask and observe social distance guidelines.
Q. I am housebound – how can I get my jab?
A. You will still be offered the vaccination even if you cannot get to hospital or your local medical centre. Your primary care provider will arrange this for you, but it is likely to be in the New Year. The initial roll out of the vaccination programme is being undertaken from special vaccination facilities only.
Q. I have not been invited – should I have been?
A. The NHS will contact you when it's your turn to have the vaccination. Please act on your invite when it comes, and make sure you attend your appointments when you arrange them. Continue to stay at home to protect the NHS and abide by social distancing and hand hygiene guidance when you make essential journeys.
The Government has asked us to initially focus on those who are at highest risk of serious COVID complications. Everybody will be invited to have the vaccination but this programme will take several months.
If you have not been contacted about having the COVID-19 vaccination, please read the information in the leaflet why you are being asked to wait https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-why-you-are-being-asked-to-wait
Q. Should patients contact their medical practice about existing medicines clashing with the vaccination?
A. It is important that anyone unsure about taking a particular type of vaccine should discuss it with their GP. All those people over 80 attending for a vaccine will receive a pre-assessment review by a doctor prior to having the vaccine.
Further general information about the vaccination programme may be found here https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/12/hospitals-to-start-biggest-ever-nhs-vaccination-programme-this-week/
The following information may also be helpful:
Women of childbearing age, currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
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