Coleford Family DoctorsStaff at the Covid-19 vaccine clinic will require your NHS number when you attend your appointment. Your NHS number is displayed in the SMS message on your mobile phone, either write your NHS number and bring this along with you to your appointment, or show your SMS message to the staff at the clinic.
We have sent you this letter as it is recommended that people in your age group are among the first to get the vaccine. This is because evidence has shown that the risk of serious illness because of coronavirus increases with age. Your GP Practice will contact you shortly to book your appointments. Please do not contact your surgery.
About the coronavirus vaccine:
We are currently using both Pfizer and the Astra Zeneca vaccines. You will not get a choice as the vaccine that we get delivered can vary week on week.
There is very little difference between each vaccine.
The coronavirus vaccine is free of charge to you.
You will need 2 doses of the vaccine to get the best protection from the virus, with an interval of at least 3 months between them. You may have seen from the national news that we are giving as many people as possible one dose first. You will be notified at a later date about the second dose.
It is important you read the leaflet, so please visit the following link for further information:
We need you do that so you are as informed as possible before you come in. If you are unable to do this please contact your surgery for further assistance.
Some people may not be able to receive this vaccine at the moment. If you have had a bad allergic reaction to one of the ingredients of the vaccine or other vaccines in the past and
needed to use an adrenaline pen (eg EPIPEN) it is important that you read all the guidance.
You can have it if you are allergic to penicillin. You can also ask about it when you book your appointments, or discuss it with a health professional when you attend. The Covid vaccine cannot be given with 7 days of having the flu vaccine.
Following vaccination you will be required to stay in the building for at least 15 minutes.
We are sure you will understand this vaccination programme is a mammoth undertaking, we are planning to vaccinate an unprecedented number of patients as quickly as we can. Your support, assistance and understanding of the following information would be greatly appreciated.
- The vaccination clinic will at the site of old health centre, situated in the Co-Op car park in Dockham Road, Cinderford GL14 2AN.
- There is very limited car parking, and it would be preferable if you do not park at the site. Please make alternative arrangements – either walking if you are able to or arrange to be dropped off and picked up 20 minutes later.
- If you have Covid symptoms please do not attend the appointment, but please advise your GP surgery.
- It is important that you arrive at the time of your appointment – do not come early nor late.
- Please wear short-sleeved clothing under your coats or
- jackets.
- You will need to wear a face mask.
- Health professionals from many of the GP Practices in the Forest of Dean will be performing the vaccinations. It is, therefore, unlikely you will be vaccinated by someone from your own GP Practice. Please be reassured that they have all undertaken the relevant training.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Paul Weiss / Dr Sophia Sandford
Clinical Directors
Forest of Dean Primary Care Network