Update on the COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout
Across South West London the NHS have now delivered over 280,000 vaccinations, including 272,000 first doses, hitting the ambitious target of offering the vaccine to priority groups 1- 4 by Monday 15 February 2021 and exceeding the numbers expected.
The rollout has now moved on to the next groups of residents to offer the vaccine to cohorts 5 and 6, as set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. People in cohort 5 aged 65-69, will receive a letter from the national booking service, and they can book an appointment at one of the large vaccination sites or community pharmacy services.
GPs will be inviting cohort 6, which includes people aged 16-64 with underlying health conditions which make them more vulnerable to serious illness from Covid-19. Cohort 6 also includes those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. Carers must have their status logged on their GP record to be offered a vaccination. These groups should wait to be contacted by the NHS to book their vaccination appointment.
Shielding Update
More people in South West London and across the country are being asked to shield against coronavirus following the development of a new national COVID-19 risk assessment. People who have now been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable will shortly receive a letter from the NHS telling them to begin shielding until at least 31 March. People who are already shielding will also receive an updated letter from the NHS telling them to extend shielding to 31 March.
People who have been identified in this new shielded group do not need to proactively contact the NHS to arrange a vaccine.
Further Information for Merton Residents
The South West London CCG communications team has created a COVID-19 vaccination information page for each borough.
Please visit the page to find out the latest on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Merton, along with other resources aimed at supporting you and your loved ones: https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/your-area/merton/merton-covid-19-vaccination-programme-update/
Key Messages
- The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are safe and effective. They will give you the best protection against coronavirus.
- The NHS will let you know when it is your turn to have a vaccine. It is important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.
- You must have a booked appointment to receive your vaccine. Please do not turn up without an appointment – thank you for being patient and waiting to be contacted.
- If you are aged over 70 and haven’t yet had an invitation for a vaccination, please contact the NHS to book your vaccine through the national booking service.
- Please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives – hands, face, space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please download the latest FAQ document below if you have questions about the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination, or about the vaccines themselves.
Healthwatch Merton Survey
Survey – What is working well during Covid19?
Healthwatch Merton would like to hear from you about what is working well remotely with health (e.g., 111 A&E Bookings and pharmacy delivery services), social care and community services (e.g., digital consultations and over the phone).
There are a list of services they are seeking some snapshot feedback on and would appreciate any examples of good practice you want to share about your experience or experience of someone you care for.
Follow the Link below to find out more and share your views:
