Scarborough GP Practices Highlight COVID Booster Spaces

A number of GP practices in the Scarborough and Filey area say they have additional capacity to deliver COVID vaccinations for their patients in the coming fortnight.

If you are a patient with Hunmanby, Filey, Hackness Road, or Scarborough Medical Group practices – and you are eligible for your Autumn booster – you can ring your surgery and you will be booked into an existing clinic.
 
A spokesperson for Filey and Scarborough Healthier Communities Network primary care network, said:

"Anybody over 50 who had their last vaccine more than 91 days ago is eligible unless they have had COVID in the last 28 days."

Patients who are not registered with one of these practices can still access a COVID booster by booking through the NHS National Booking Service or by calling 119.

• RELATED STORIES : North Yorkshire Health Bosses Urge Take Up of COVID 19 Boosters and Flu Vaccine

The NHS in North Yorkshire is urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible in the fight against both flu and COVID-19 this winter.

Health bosses are emphasising that vaccination is the best way to protect people from serious illness and prevent the local health and care system from being overwhelmed.

After what was the busiest summer on record, the NHS is preparing for what it expects to be a very challenging winter – a period in which respiratory illnesses are more widespread.

For many, the winter period can be a source of concern and worry. People with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, can be particularly susceptible to the effects of cold weather, finding themselves shorter of breath and coughing more than usual.

In addition, the risk of catching COVID-19 and flu this winter remains significant – with cases and hospital admissions rising across North Yorkshire and the wider region. Both viruses can be life-threatening. For some people, catching COVID-19 and flu at the same time increases the risk of serious illness, especially older people or those who already have health conditions.

As a result, a majority of hospitals, GP surgeries and other healthcare settings in North Yorkshire are now asking visitors to wear face masks (unless exempt) and to wash their hands regularly; if you have a hospital appointment scheduled, it's worth checking the Hospital Trust website before you visit to get the latest advice about mask wearing.

The number of patients occupying a hospital bed with COVID-19 in the region has risen by 50 per cent in the last month – with modelling suggesting half of beds across the Humber and North Yorkshire health and care system could be taken up by patients suffering from respiratory illnesses.

NHS leaders say it is therefore very important that everyone eligible, is vaccinated for COVID-19 and has had their autumn booster.

Even for the fit and healthy, people can still catch these viruses and spread them to more vulnerable people around them. Some of the people you meet may be at greater risk and it’s easy to pass these viruses on without knowing.

North Yorkshire's Director of Public Health, Louise Wallace, said:

“We expect to see a wave of COVID-19 in North Yorkshire during October/November and possibly another in January.

"There’s also the risk of being hit with a wave of flu cases at the same time so it’s particularly important that people take up the offer of vaccinations as soon as they can.

"Please also remember the basics – hands, face, space and fresh air. They protect against COVID-19, flu and lots of other nasty viruses that can make you feel quite unwell.”

People aged 50 and over, pregnant women, carers, frontline health and care workers, care home residents and people of all ages who have a weakened immune system or live with someone who has can get a seasonal COVID-19 booster. Details about the booster can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-autumn-booster-resources/a-guide-to-the-covid-19-autumn-booster
 

The COVID-19 boosters are highly effective at increasing immunity and, offering a further dose to those at higher risk of severe illness this autumn, will significantly reduce the risk of hospitalisations and deaths over the winter.

To book a jab, visit the NHS National Booking Service at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or call 119.

Most of the groups above will have also now been offered a free flu jab, including many frontline health and care staff.

Younger people with some long-term health conditions are also able to get a free NHS flu jab, and since Friday, 14 October, booking has now opened up for all those aged 50 and over.

If you are eligible, you do not need to wait for an invite to book an appointment. Primary school children are currently being vaccinated through the in-school programme so make sure to complete the consent form provided via your child’s school, with Years 7 to 9 at secondary school due to receive their flu vaccines later in the year. Pre-school age children, aged two to three will also receive an invite from their GP if they haven’t already.

Details about the flu jab eligibility can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/