COVID-19: Important Practice Information

Mask wearing within the practice

Mask wearing Policy changes

We are no longer expected to wear masks in our building.

Any patients that we bring in with respiratory or covid symptoms should be asked to wear a mask – be mindful that the law does not require them to.

Acute patients with respiratory symptoms will be seen in our isolation room, away from other patients.

If we have a covid outbreak in the area, we will be required to revert to mask wearing and this will be noted on signs around the building.

We would ask patients to wear a mask if you have:

Respiratory problems
A cough
Flu like symptoms
Any symptoms of Covid
Or are vulnerable or have low immunity

Travel - Vaccination status letter

Here is a handy link for information on how to access your COVID-19 vaccination status for travel.

You can call 119 and ask for a letter with your COVID-19 vaccination status to be posted to you.

This must be at least 5 days after you complete your course of the vaccine.

You do not need to know your NHS number to get a letter, but the process to request a letter may be quicker if you do. You can find your NHS number online.

You should get this letter within 7 working days.

Only request a letter if your departure date is within the next 4 weeks. If not, 119 may ask you to call again later.

https://www.nhs.uk/.../vaccination-status-for-travelling.../

You can access the letter via this website also:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-status

For more information on foreign travel and the government guidance on demonstrating your covid-19 vaccine status, see this page:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-status

What to expect after your Covid Vaccination

People who are most at risk from the complications of COVID-19 are being offered the COVID-19 vaccination first.

In the UK, there are 2 types of COVID-19 vaccine to be used once they are approved. They both require 2 doses to provide the best protection. Both have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials.

An independent group of experts has recommended that the NHS offers these vaccines to those at highest risk of catching the infection and suffering serious complications if they do catch the infection. This includes older adults in care homes and frontline health and social care workers. When more vaccine becomes available, the vaccines will be offered to other people at risk as soon as possible.

The vaccine you are being offered is amongst the first to be approved as safe and effective by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

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 to 2 days after the vaccine
feeling tired
headache
general aches, or mild flu like symptoms

Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for 2 to 3 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, call NHS 111. If you do seek advice from a doctor or nurse, make sure you tell them about your vaccination (show them the vaccination card) so that they can assess you properly.

You can also report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online through the Yellow Card scheme or by downloading the Yellow Card app.

For more information see the government website

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-what-to-expect-after-vaccination/what-to-expect-after-your-covid-19-vaccination

Non Registered Patients

Your own GP surgery will contact you when it is your turn for the Covid Vaccination.

You will be invited to attend the surgery there, and can discuss with them when they call you.

You should also receive a letter in the future inviting you to attend a mass vacination site, which you can use to book a vaccination appointment either by calling 119 or booking via www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. You can only book if you have received a letter and not already had the first dose of the vaccine.

Visiting the Practice

Please avoid visiting the practice unless you have an appointment already booked. When you visit the practice please try to socially distance.

If you are visiting Cornwall, and not registered with us, we ask that you contact your own GP or the 111 service.

If you develop a cough, temperature or lose your sense of smell or taste, please talk to our staff before visiting our surgeries.

Self-Isolating and Prescriptions

A friend or neighbour can collect your prescription on your behalf.

Sick notes

Online Isolation notes for those self-isolating due to coronavirus, either because they have symptoms or they live with someone who has symptoms, can be accessed through the NHS Website.

Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak

Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus (Covid 19), can be scary and affect our mental health. The links below contain tips that you, your friends and family can use to look after mental health at this time. They suggests things you can try that can help your wellbeing including staying in touch with others.

Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety. Having access to good quality information about the virus can help you feel more in control. Up-to-date information can be found through www.Gov.uk and www.NHS.uk