COVID-19 Vaccination Booster

Following confirmation of the covid-19 vaccination booster programme by the joint committee of vaccinations and immunisations (JCVI) we are pleased to be supporting the delivery for patients registered with one of our four primary care network (PCN) practices. We hope that the following frequently asked questions will help with any queries you might have regarding the programme and your vaccination.

Who are Bournemouth East Primary Care Network?

The Bournemouth East Collaborative is a primary care network (PCN) whose membership includes four local practices in east Bournemouth – Beaufort Rd Surgery, Littledown surgery, Shelley Manor & Holdenhurst Medical Centre and Southbourne Surgery. We have been working closely together over the last couple of years to provide additional healthcare services to residents but also to support practices in what is a very challenging time. We work closely with other health and social care organisations (the hospital, voluntary and community sectors and the local authority) to help improve the health of the population.

Am I eligible for a booster vaccine?

All patients over the age of 50 and those with certain medical health conditions which make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 will be invited for a booster vaccination. You will not be invited until at least 6 months after completion of your primary vaccination course.

Which vaccine?

The booster programme is exclusively using mRNA vaccines so will only be the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. We have not used Moderna in Dorset so it is fully expected that we will be exclusively using the Pfizer vaccine. Whether you had the AstraZeneca of Pfizer vaccine during your primary vaccination course you will only receive the Pfizer vaccination booster.

When will I receive an appointment?

If you are eligible and at least 6 months after completion of your primary vaccination course

How will I receive an appointment?

Patients over the age of 75 will receive their pre-made appointment date and time via letter. We expect to use a mix of text invites for those with a smart phone and letters for those under 75 years depending on whether we hold a mobile number for you.

Where will my appointment be?

Beaufort Road Surgery
21 Beaufort Road
Bournemouth, BH6 5AJ

I’m worried I can’t have the Pfizer vaccine…what should I do?

There are very few people who we would consider not suitable for the Pfizer vaccination. The 2 main groups where the vaccination may be contraindicated are those with a personal history of an allergic reaction to the Pfizer vaccine or patients who have a history of significant multiple (drug) allergies where polyethylene glycol (PEG) allergy is a possibility.

If you feel you fall into either of the above groups please call 01202 705007 and leave a voicemail and we will review your medical notes and involve your usual GP if needed to discuss your situation and let you know how best to proceed.

The appointment time I’ve been given is not convenient…what should I do?

Organisation of the vaccination programme is administratively complex and so we ask that you make every effort to attend any pre-made appointment. If however due to exceptional circumstances this is not possible please call 01202 705007 and leave a voicemail. We will do our best to offer you an alternative appointment. Alternatively you can leave a message to cancel your appointment with us and book an appointment at an alternative site by calling 119 or using the national booking system (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/book-or-manage-a-booster-dose-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/)

Please do not contact your usual practice to discuss this or Beaufort Rd Surgery – they will be unable to help.

What will happen at my vaccination appointment?

Following check-in you will be signposted to a vaccinator who will run through the risks and benefits of vaccination and confirm your fitness of vaccination. Following vaccination you will need to sit in a waiting area, either at Beaufort Rd Surgery or Southbourne Surgery, for 15 minutes for observation. This is to ensure there are no significant allergic reactions and is a mandated ask by the JCVI.

Additional primary course dosing?

Certain patients with a history of significant immunosuppression have been identified by searches in primary and secondary care as needing a 3rd primary vaccination (rather than a booster). You will be contacted regarding an appointment time. It is important to highlight this to your vaccinator as you may still require an additional booster in the future.

Side effects of the Pfizer vaccine

On the whole the Pfizer vaccination is very well tolerated. Some however may experience mild side effects, including:

• Discomfort at the injection site (80%)
• Fatigue (>60%)
• Headache (>50%)
• Muscle/Joint aches/pains/Mild fever (10-20%)

Side effects were less common in the >55years and severe systemic side effects interfering with daily activities (fatigue (4%) / headache (2%)) were rare.

Myocarditis/Pericarditis (Rate highest in males <25 years – many cases mild and full recovery without longer term sequala)

How can I get evidence of my vaccination (for travel etc)?

Medical records will be updated within 72hours of your vaccination and this will feed through to the NHS app if you have this. Proof of vaccination letters are available by calling 119 or visiting https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/

I’ve not had my primary vaccination course and have changed my mind and now wish to have a vaccine…what should I do?

Great!

Call us on 01202 705007 and let us know and we will get this arranged. Alternatively call 119 or use the national booking service via the following link https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/book-or-manage-a-1st-or-2nd-dose-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination/

What about my flu vaccine?

Flu Vaccines will continue to be delivered through your usual practice. Please contact them directly to arrange an appointment if you are eligible.

I’m housebound and can’t get to Beaufort Road Surgery…what should I do?

We have a register for housebound patients and are coordinating this separately but if you are not on this, or are temporarily housebound due to ill health, please let us know on 01202 705007 and we will arrange a vaccine at your home. Care home residents and staff will be vaccinated via our care home team within the home they reside in or work.