COVID Information

COVID AUTUMN BOOSTER

Protect yourself this winter – get vaccinated!

Torbay residents are being urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible following the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant.

NHS England announced the winter Covid and flu vaccination programmes are being brought forward to help combat the strain, nicknamed Pirola.

Torbay General Practice (TGP) – an alliance of ten GP practices – is encouraging all eligible residents to take up the vaccine by the end of October to help the most vulnerable in the area.

People who are visiting the area can also get their vaccines at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay, which is where the area’s vaccine service is based.

You can book an appointment from September 18 either through the national booking service or by calling 119. Do not contact your GP practice to arrange your vaccine.

Nicci Hilson, Torbay Covid Vaccination Service Project Lead, said: “The new strain – and the recent increase in cases – is a sharp reminder that that Covid hasn’t gone away.

“It’s vitally important that the most vulnerable residents continue to protect themselves against the disease and that we avoid putting friends and family members at risk.

“And the best way to do that is by getting vaccinated.”

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England Medical Director, said: “Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and COVID-19 ahead of what could be a very challenging winter, and with the potential for this new covid variant to increase the risk of infection, we are following the latest expert guidance and bringing the covid vaccination programme forward, with people able to get their flu vaccine at the same time to maximise protection.

“The NHS will work quickly to offer people protection against these nasty viruses as soon as possible, first going into adult care homes and inviting those most at risk including those with weakened immune systems.

“So please come forward to get your protection against both covid and flu as soon as possible once invited – it will help protect you and those around you this winter.”

To arrange your flu vaccine, get in touch with your GP practice. You can find if you’re eligible for a free vaccine at www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine

Who is eligible:

aged 65 years old or over (you need to be 65 years old by 31 March 2024)
aged 6 months to 64 years old and are at increased risk (see Getting a COVID-19 vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk for more details)
living in a care home for older adults
a frontline health or social care worker
aged 16 to 64 years old and are a carer
aged 12 to 64 years old and live with someone with a weakened immune system

Housebound? Mobility issues?

The housebound programme for the Spring Booster has now finished.

If you are able to, we highly recomend going to the ERC for your vaccine. The surgery can make plans in advance to help you attend, whereby you can be vaccinated in your car or we can provide a wheelchair if needed.

If you are currently recorded as housebound but have a way of getting to the ERC (friend/neighbour/family member etc) and need to be vaccinated in the car please contact us and we can arrange this. Call 01803 605117 and choose option 3 for General Enquiries, the line is open 9 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm.

COVID Vaccine Certificates

Please do not contact the surgery asking for a vaccine certificate, we do not have the capacity to provide these.

Proof of your vaccination status will be available on the NHS app. In addition, you can use the app to order repeat medication and view test results.

The NHS APP can be downloaded from HERE for iPhone or HERE for android.

Alternatively, you can call the NHS helpline on 119 and ask for a letter to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 days after you’ve completed your course of the vaccine, the letter may to take up to 5 days to reach you.

To find out more about travelling abroad please see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad.