Oxford AstraZeneca - Latest Guidance
New guidance has been issued for the use of the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.
This follows further reviews by the independent regulator, the MHRA, and the Commission for Human Medicines, of a very small number of people in the UK who have developed a rare blood-clotting condition since having the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.
The MHRA and Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations have emphasised that the risk of this condition is extremely small and that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks for the vast majority of people. They have recommended that:
- Everyone who has had the AstraZeneca vaccine should still have a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, irrespective of age, unless they have had a blood clot or have an existing risk of thrombosis (blood clotting)
- People aged 30 and over or who have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 disease should still be offered the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The benefits in protecting them against the serious consequences of COVID-19 outweigh any risk of this rare condition.
- People aged 18-29 who do not have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 disease will be offered an alternative Covid-19 vaccine where available. (This has been recommended as a precaution as people under 30 are at less risk from Covid-19 and not because they are considered to be at particular risk of developing the rare blood clot.)
- People under 30 can still choose to have the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine if this will mean they can be protected more quickly and they have been made aware of the guidance.
Please see the leaflet below that has been produced by Public Health England and the NHS to answer any questions you may have
GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR COVID VACCINATION INFORMATION:
We have asked you not to contact the surgery but use the link above for information about the Covid vaccination, however :
If your first vaccine was given before 6th Feb and you’ve not been contacted for your 2nd dose– please contact your practice
Your GP is here for you - your appointment will initially be by telephone, but if the doctor wishes to see you then arrangements will be made for you to attend the surgery.
We ask that anyone who is coming to the surgery can wear a face covering at all times.
The NHS is here for you when you need us. If you’re worried you might have symptoms of cancer or any other concerns about your health please call your GP practice or NHS 111. Please do not leave anything to chance, your NHS – including your GP practice - is still here for you.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) –
For patients concerned that they may have coronavirus or may have come into contact with someone who has, the NHS 111 online service has created coronavirus pages that tell patients what they should do based on their particular circumstances. These can be accessed at: https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19
Testing for Coronavirus
Testing is now open to any member of the public with COVID-19 symptoms by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119 to book a test
Winter illnesses such as colds and coughs, sore throats, and upset stomachs can easily be treated at home with medicines available at low cost from your local pharmacy - no GP appointment or prescription required.
Winter medicine cabinet essentials include:
- pain relief (paracetamol)
- cough and sore throat remedies
- first aid kit
- upset stomach treatment
- rehydration treatment
- heartburn and indigestion treatment
Having these winter essentials at hand will not only save you time and help you to feel better quicker, but help save the NHS much needed resources.
Your local pharmacist can also offer you advice and guidance on the best treatment for you – no appointment needed. Pharmacists are available on every high street and in supermarkets with many open evenings and weekends.
Find a pharmacy near you by visiting the NHS website
NHS 111
NHS 111 is much more than a helpline – if you’re worried about an urgent medical concern, you can call 111 to speak to a fully trained adviser.
Depending on the situation, the NHS 111 team can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or even a GP, and can arrange face-to-face appointments if they think you need one.
They are also able to book you an appointment at your GP Practice.
NHS 111 advisers can also assess if you need an ambulance and send one immediately.
Extended Access Video - What does it mean?
****************************
DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER FOR OUR ON-LINE SERVICES FOR ORDERING PRESCRIPTIONS AND BOOKING APPOINTMENTS
You can now order your repeat prescription by email on meanwood.prescriptions@nhs.net
Patients are encouraged to sign up for online ordering: To sign up you are required to produce photographic identification such as your passport; driving license or a bus pass and proof of address such as utility bill or bank statement to the GP surgery. You will then be issued a personalised online log in and a password which should only be used by you to access your repeat orders. (If you require a family member or carer’s assistance when ordering please highlight this to the surgery staff when registering). This is a very straight forward process and will allow you to access your repeat orders at a time convenient to you, 24 hours a day.
Welcome to Meanwood Group Practice
We are confident that our website will provide clear and concise help and give our patients the information they require in an easy and convenient format. It has been designed with the patient’s needs at the forefront of everything, from checking surgery times to letting us know what you think of us.
Serving You
Our dedicated team are here to treat those minor ailments that occur as well as providing specialist management of long-term conditions and clinics covering a wide range of healthcare issues. The technology also means you can now do a lot of things from the comfort of your home such as order a repeat prescription book or cancel an appointment.
Partners in Care
Once registered, patients and healthcare professionals work together to ensure the most appropriate care is provided. This partnership philosophy extends even further and our active patient group exists to make sure that patient needs and the practice offering are always heading in the same direction.
Access
There is disabled parking and access for the disabled to the surgery from the surgery car park.
Meanwood Health Centre is a purpose built, recently refurbished Leeds Community Trust owned building which is compliant with DDA and Infection control.
The treatment room we use for procedures has been specifically equipped and is large enough to accommodate patients with disabilities, wheelchair users and carers.
We have access to Language Line and Sign Language for translation services, male and female surgeons and appointments throughout the week and after 5.30 pm.
All clinical and nursing staff have mandatory training in equity and diversity and safeguarding.
Health Centre
The Health Centre is owned by the Leeds Community Healthcare Trust and the GP Practice is a tenant in the building. There a a number of other services in the building including, Podiatry, Musculoskeletal and Physiotherapy services, Speech Thereapy, Midwifery and the building also hosts a number of other services including the Travel Clinic.
PLEASE DO NOT USE OUR OLD BYPASS TELEPHONE NUMBER: (2618510)
(Site updated 07/05/2021)