We are delighted to be involved in the rollout of the
COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
This Programme is being strictly overseen by the Health Board who authorise us to administer in accordance with their timescale. We appreciate your patience in this regard as we seek to be as responsive as possible to this rapidly evolving situation. Please be assured that we will invite you for vaccination as soon as we are permitted to do so and have confirmation of vaccine supply.
The vaccination GPs are offering is the Astra Zeneca (Oxford) vaccine and is given as a 2 dose schedule with an approximate 12 week interval between doses.
The Trust Vaccination teams administer the Pfizer vaccine (which is stored at -70 degrees), and have been delivering this to Care Home residents, Health and Social Care Staff, patients aged 60-69 years old and Carers.
We are running our COVID vaccination clinics in Knock Presbyterian Church (except for our smaller clinic on 11th March 2021 which will be held in Cherryvalley Group Practice) We wish to extend our sincere thanks to Knock for their willingness to assist us. Their large hall and carpark have enabled us to ensure adequate social distancing, and maximise our ability to deliver to more patients at each clinic.
We continue to appreciate your patience as we undertake this significant work in addition to delivering ongoing medical care to our Practice population.
When and how will I be called for my Covid vaccination?
We are aiming to carry out our clinics on Thursdays at Knock Presbyterian Church. Unfortunately due to supply issues these can only be planned one week at a time. We have been using Text Messaging to invite our patients to these clinics - so please ensure you have provided us with up to date contact details.
We aim to complete our over 70 cohort and Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) patients in February and move on to invite our Chronic Disease patients aged 18-64 years from 25th February. Please note there is some overlap with patients who may receive an invitation both from our Practice and the Trust vaccination teams. If this is the case, please do not attend for both.
We are also working hard to vaccinate our Housebound patients at present but as this is a more time consuming process we would ask that if at all possible you attend the Clinic when invited.
What should I expect at the Covid Vaccination clinic?
We will invite you to attend Knock Presbyterian Church and ask you to enter via the Kings Road entrance. A car park attendant will be available to direct you. (Please note clinic on 11th March will be held at Cherryvalley Group Practice)
Please wear a face covering and ensure that you DO NOT attend the clinic if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or have been told to self isolate. Please consider wearing clothing which is easily removed to expose your upper arm.
Vaccine should be delayed if
You have a feverish illness
You have had a Positive Covid test within the last 4 weeks
You have had a vaccine, such as flu vaccine within the last week
We will also ask about history of previous severe allergy to ensure you are suitable to receive the vaccine. Fortunately the incidence of allergic reaction due to Astra Zeneca vaccine is low.
As a patient aged 60-64 years or a Carer how will I get my vaccine?
The Trust Vaccination teams are now offering Vaccination (with Pfizer vaccine) to our patients aged 60-64 years, and also those who are Carers (>18 years old) for someone who is elderly or disabled.
Carers can access a vaccination by phoning 028 4372 1807 or email for South Eastern Trust (Ulster Hospital) or 028 9504 2126 for Belfast Trust
Our 60-64 year olds who have not yet been invited for vaccination can book at one of the Trust Vaccination Centres either by phoning 0300 200 7813, or you can online via this link.
Please note that you will be asked for your Health and Care (H&C) number when booking at one of the Trust sites. This can be found on your medical card or on the right hand side of your prescription. However you will still be able to book an appointment even if you do not have your H&C number - there is no need to contact the Practice for this.
