“When can I book my COVID-19 booster?”
You can book your booster 2 months from the date of your second vaccination, for administration three months (91 days) from your second vaccination.
We are holding small booster clinics at Granta Sawston or you can book via the National Booking System website. More appointments are added every day so if you can’t see a convenient local service at the time of trying, please try later in the day or the next day. All of the vaccination services are working at pace to increase the number of appointments they can offer.
“I haven’t had any vaccines yet – is it too late to start the course?”
No, it is never to late too start. You can book online via the National Booking Service or go to a walk in centre. Please remember to indicate which dose you want so that it is recorded correctly on the national database – you will be recalled when your next dose is due.
“Why do I not have to wait 15 minutes after my Pfizer booster now?”
Due to the Omicron variant, the booster programme for adults was accelerated. As part of this, and given the very low rate of anaphylaxis, the 15 minute wait was suspended, as there is now much more experience with giving these vaccines to millions of people. People are not normally observed for 15 minutes after other vaccinations.
“I am housebound – when will I get my booster?”
You should by now have had your booster. If not please let us know.
“I need a ‘Third Primary Dose’ – how do I arrange this?”
If your hospital consultant would like you to have a third primary dose they will need to send us a letter requesting this. We will then supply you with a letter that you can present at any walk-in vaccination centre.
“How do I get a digital NHS Covid Pass?”
There are 2 ways you can get your digital pass – download and use the NHS App or online NHS Covid Pass service. Click here for further information. A digital Covid Pass is valid for 30 days. The 30-day period refreshes and starts again each time you log in.
“My child needs a COVID Pass – how do I get one?”
Children under 18 do not have to demonstrate their COVID-19 status for entry to domestic events or venues in England.
From 13th December, fully vaccinated children aged 12 to 15 can request an NHS Covid Pass letter for international travel. Click here for further information and to obtain the Pass letter.
“I have recovered from Coronavirus – can I use my Covid Pass to travel?”
If you have an NHS Covid Pass for travel based on a positive PCR test, the 30-day period will refresh for up to 180 days after you have taken the test. Click here for further information.
“I had my COVID-19 vaccines abroad – how can I get them to appear on my Covid Pass?”
There is now a service that enables you to book an appointment to show evidence of any coronavirus vaccinations you have had outside of England. This is so the NHS can securely update your vaccination record. For further information and to use this service please click here.
“I had a bad reaction to a particular type of vaccine – can I have a different one as my booster?”
You can, but you would need to let us know and we will then query this with our local Clinical Commissioning Group. You do need to have a genuine medical reason, and it not just be personal choice.
“My COVID-19 vaccination details are incorrect / missing – how can I get this rectified?”
If you have incorrect or missing Covid-19 data you can now access a service called the Vaccine Data Resolution Service (VDRS).
You can access this service via https://www.nhs.uk/contact-us/vaccine-record-help/
Alternatively, you can call NHS 119, and
The call agents will take some details from you and make an electronic referral into the VDRS service.
The VDRS team will aim to contact you within 21 days. The number they will call you from is 01869 817119. They will make 3 attempts to contact you and if unsuccessful you will then have to start the process again.
As well as deploying staff to the Covid booster programme, we are also experiencing a high level of staff absence. We have no doubt that this will continue as Covid, flu and norovirus continue to take their toll over the winter months, combined with ever-changing Covid guidelines. We will continue to try and provide the best possible service we can to all of our patients, but please bear with us as day-to-day operations may be disrupted. Below are some hints and tips to help you help yourself and in turn help us and the NHS:-
SELF-CARE: You can treat many minor illnesses such as colds and coughs, sore throats and upset stomachs at home. Make sure you are stocked up with healthcare essentials such as pain relief (e.g. Paracetamol), cough and sore throat remedies, upset stomach treatment, rehydration treatment, heartburn / indigestion treatments and a first aid kit.
USE YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST: They can offer you advice and guidance on your symptoms and on the best treatment for you – no appointment needed. Pharmacists are available on every high street and in supermarkets, with many being open in the evenings and at weekends.
USE THE NHS UK SYMPTOM CHECKER www.nhs.uk: This helpful tool can guide you through your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate health service for your needs.
RING NHS 111, OPTION 2: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis this First Response Service puts your mental health first. It provides 24-hour access, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to mental health care, advice, support and treatment.
If you have done all you can but feel that your problem remains unresolved, please do ring us and we will be happy to help you. Please note that patient access continues to be by invitation only, following a prior telephone assessment, which includes a COVID-19 questionnaire.
MEDICATION: If you need to order medication, please do this online via SystmOnline or the Airmid app. Details of how to do this can be found on our website www.grantamedicalpractices.co.uk If you do not have internet or mobile telephone access, you can send in your repeat medication slip or write in with your repeat request. Unfortunately, we cannot take prescription orders over the telephone.
Thank you for your continued understanding, patience and support.
Keep up to date with the latest coronavirus guidance by going to www.gov.uk/coronavirus and www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
If you need support there is local help available: Barkway | Barley | Linton | Sawston | Shelford
Children can get coronavirus (COVID-19), but they seem to get it less often than adults and it’s usually less serious.
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are as detailed above.
Please only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
If no, please use the National Booking Service (NBS) to reserve a slot at one of more than 100 NHS vaccination centres or almost 200 pharmacy-led services across the country. This booking service can be accessed here. Those who do not have access to online can call 119 free of charge.
There are also walk-in clinics available – no appointment required – just turn up. For walk-in clinics area please click on one of the following links:-
Get tested for COVID-19COVID-19 symptoms
Self-isolation and treating symptoms
People at higher risk of COVID-19
How to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19
Long term effects (long COVID)
Advice for parents during Covid-19
Covid-19 and your mental health
Find a community support group or organisation
Information for carers from Carers UK
Bright Sky app
(Domestic Violence mobile app disguised as a weather app)
Visit the Bright Sky website
National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
Safe Refuge 01223 460947
Visit the Cambridge Women’s Aid website
Cambridge Rape Crisis 01223 245888
Visit the Cambridge Rape Crisis website
When outside your home, it is important to try and stay 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with.
“We at Healthwatch in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough would like to thank the staff and volunteers who contributed to phase one of the vaccination programme within your PCN for all of your hard work. We know what a busy and stressful time this has been, but what you have achieved in helping to protect the most vulnerable in your community is truly amazing. Local people often tell us how much they appreciate the work you do in helping to keep people safe. Thank you again.”
Sandie Smith, Chief Executive
Sawston Medical Centre
London Road
Sawston
Cambridge CB22 3HU
Appointments:
0300 234 5555
option 2
Linton Health Centre
Coles Lane
Linton
Cambridge CB21 4JS
Appointments:
0300 234 5555
option 3
Barley Surgery
High Street, Barley
Royston
Hertfordshire SG8 8HY
Appointments:
0300 234 5555
option 4
Market Hill Surgery
Market Hill
Royston
Hertfordshire SG8 9JN
Appointments:
0300 234 5555
option 5
Shelford Health Centre
Ashen Green
Great Shelford
Cambridge CB22 5FY
Appointments:
0300 234 5555
option 6
Sawston Medical Centre
London Road, Sawston, Cambridge
CB22 3HU
Appointments: 0300 234 5555 option 2
Linton Health Centre
Coles Lane, Linton, Cambridge
CB21 4JS
Appointments: 0300 234 5555 option 3
Barley Surgery
High Street, Barley, Royston, Hertfordshire
SG8 8HY
Appointments: 0300 234 5555 option 4
Market Hill Surgery
Market Hill, Royston, Hertfordshire
SG8 9JN
Appointments: 0300 234 5555 option 5
Shelford Health Centre
Ashen Green, Great Shelford, Cambridge
CB22 5FY
Appointments: 0300 234 5555 option 6
