The Covid vaccination programme will start towards the end of week commencing 11
January. We are working with 27 other practices and Suffolk GP Federation to deliver
the vaccination programme. The Federation is owned by the GP practices in Suffolk.
The first group to be vaccinated will be patients over 80 years old using the Pfizer
vaccine. We will also start vaccinating care home residents. We will be vaccinating
20,000 patients over 80 so please bear with us. We have computer records of those
needing to be vaccinated and you will not be missed.
What to do when you receive an invitation?
If you have a mobile number registered with us you will receive a text from (NHS-
Noreply). Please make sure your mobile is switched on. If you do not have a mobile
you will receive a letter.
The invitation will include a unique booking code and a web link. If you or a family
member click on the link it allows you to book an appointment directly online. Please
book online if you can.
If you do not have internet access there will be a booking line number. This will be
very busy so please be patient.
To book we will need you to confirm your name, date of birth, postcode and a mobile
number (can be a family member or someone in your bubble) which we will use to
confirm the appointment time and place. If you don’t have this please just write down
the appointment details. Appointments for both doses will be booked at the same
time.
You will have a choice of venues and times (8am to 8pm):
o Trinity Park (IP3 8UH).
o The Mix in Stowmarket (IP14 1BB).
o Debenham Community Centre (IP14 6BL).
o Woodbridge Community Hall (IP12 4AU).
o The Epic Centre in Haverhill (CB9 7LR).
If you receive an invitation and want to be vaccinated with a partner/friend/family
member etc, you will need to wait until they also receive an invitation. You will then
be able to book appointments at the same time.
The Federation has prepared a list of likely questions with our answers and this can
be accessed on www.suffolkfed.org.uk. Thank you for bearing with us.
COVID Vaccination
Commonly asked Questions and Answers
General questions
I have already been vaccinated (e.g. at the hospital) do I need another?
No. Please follow the online booking instructions and decline the invitation.
Will the vaccine protect me?
The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease.
It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of
vaccine.
I have already had Covid. Do I need the vaccine?
Even if you have already had coronavirus, you could still get it again. The vaccine will reduce
your risk of another infection and the seriousness of your symptoms if you do get it again.
I have recently had Covid – what should I do?
If you have recently tested positive for coronavirus – even if you have no symptoms – you
should wait until 4 weeks after the date you were tested before getting the vaccine. After
four weeks use your unique booking code to book online.
I have had my fu vaccine, do I need the COVID-19 vaccine as well?
The fu vaccine does not protect you from COVID-19. As you are eligible for both vaccines
you should have them both, but normally separated by at least a week.
Can I catch COVID-19 from the vaccine?
You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine but it is possible to have caught COVID-19
and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment.
Can I give COVID-19 to anyone, after I have had the vaccine?
The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and two doses will reduce your chance of
becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and
passing on the virus.
Questions about booking an appointment
What locations can I choose from?
o Trinity Park (IP3 8UH).
o The Mix in Stowmarket (IP14 1BB).
o Debenham Community Centre (IP14 6BL).
o Woodbridge Community Hall (IP12 4AU).
o The Epic Centre in Haverhill (CB9 7LR).
Why is my GP practice not vaccinating as they do the flu?
Th Pfizer vaccine comes in units of 975 doses, has to be used within three and a half days
and there is a strict priority list starting with over 80s. This means most GP practices are
working collaboratively, with the Suffolk GP Federation, to vaccinate patients from different
practices at the same time. It also means we have to have a smaller number of venues.
Can I choose which vaccine to have?
We are being supplied with the Pfizer vaccine for the foreseeable future. This may change
but we have no information about when this might happen.
What if I want to wait a few more weeks and have your vaccination later?
That is fine. Please book online when you are ready.
Can my carer be vaccinated at the same time?
Only if they also have received an invitation and have a unique booking code.
What are your opening hours?
8am to 8pm
What if I do not have a mobile or email?
We ask for a mobile number or email to confirm your appointment time and location. If you
do not have a mobile or email please make sure you write down the details of your
appointment.
Can I be vaccinated at the same time as my partner/friend/family member who has not
received an invitation?
If you receive an invitation and want to be vaccinated with a partner/friend/family member
etc, you will need to wait until they also receive an invitation. You will then be able to book
appointments at the same time.
I do not have transport
Please try to arrange transport with family, friends, neighbours or local community groups –
this is allowed under Covid lockdown regulations. Suffolk On Board may be able to help but
have very limited availability. You can access this via https://communities.suffolkonboard.com/my-area/
Can I bring a friend or relative with me?
You can transported to the vaccination site by a member of your household or by someone
within your support bubble. You can only be accompanied inside the vaccination centre by
one person.
At your vaccination appointment
How long will the appointment take?
We anticipate no more than 45 minutes
If I feel unwell on the day of my appointment
Do not attend if you feel unwell with symptoms of coronavirus.
If you have a minor illness without a fever please still attend.
If you feel very unwell do not attend until you have fully recovered.
Preparing for the vaccination
On the day of your vaccine, wear practical clothing so it’s easy to access your upper arm.
Bear in mind you may need to spend some time queing outside.
Remember to use the lavatory before attending.
What time shall I plan to arrive?
Please arrive at your appointment time.
The vaccination
If you have a fear of needles or feel anxious, try to stay calm and let the person giving you
your vaccine know. They will be understanding and can support you.
The vaccine will be given as an injection in the upper arm.
You will have been given an appointment for the second dose. Please attend as the second
dose completes the course. It's important to get both doses to protect yourself.
What symptoms may I experience?
Some patients have reported a sore heavy arm for a day or two and a slight headache.
These symptoms are perfectly normal. Many people experience no after effects.
Can I go back to normal activities after having your vaccine?
You should be able to resume activities that are normal for you as long as you feel well. If
your arm is particularly sore, you may find heavy lifting difficult. If you feel unwell or very tired
you should rest and avoid operating machinery or driving.
