Information for patient’s with NELFT appointment during the Coronavirus pandemic

If you are feeling well and healthy, with no symptoms of coronavirus you should attend your appointment as normal. The symptoms start with a fever (high temperature) followed by a dry cough that can lead to breathing difficulties. Please note your service will be considering different ways to manage your appointment including video conferencing and will let you know the details you need.

If you are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus (a new continuous cough or high temperature of 37.8 degrees centigrade or above) you should self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Please do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy, community clinic or hospital. You should not attend your appointment with us, but please do get in touch with your service to let us know you will not be attending.

If you have been swabbed for coronavirus and you are awaiting your results, please do not attend your appointment. Please phone your service to inform us that you will not be attending.

Patient’s who feel that they may have Coronavirus or may have come into contact with someone who has, the NHS 111 has created Coronavirus pages to inform patient’s on what to do based on the above.

These can be accessed at 111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with liquid soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Read about video consultations here

Carer’s are adult and young individuals who help to support those in need (friend, relatives, those who have mental issues or need that extra bit of care).

The following are the most commonly used organisations that support carer’s throughout the the country;

• Carer’s First – You can contact us by calling our Carer’s Hub on 030 0303 1555 where someone will be available to take your calll. Our Carers Hub team are available Monday-Thursday 9am – 5pm, Fridays 9am – 4:30pm. For more information visit; www.carersfirst.org.uk/waltham-forest.
• Carer’s UK – You can contact us by calling our carer’s Hub on 020 7378 4999 where someone will be able to take you call. For more information visit; www.carersuk.org/home.

Coronavirus – Further Support

The NHS has written to everyone considered to be at risk of severe illness if you catch the coronavirus. You may have received the letter yourself, either as someone in this ‘high risk’ group or as the named carer of someone else who is.

If a person you care for has received this letter, the instructions are very clear. They must stay at home at all times and avoid all face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks, except from you as their carer and healthcare workers continuing to provide essential medical care.

However, if you start to display any of the symptoms of coronavirus you must suspend your face-to-face visits. If this means that the person you care for will be even more vulnerable, for example because they will no longer receive the essential supplies that you bring them, the government has set up a dedicated helpline for vulnerable people seeking additional care.

If you have received an NHS letter or are caring for someone who has, you can register for further support here www.gov.uk/cornonavirus-extremely-vulnerable or call 0800 028 8327, the government’s new dedicated helpline.

People at high risk from Coronavirus

People at high risk from Coronavirus include people who;

• Have had an organ transplant
• Are having chemotherapy or antibody treatment for cancer, including immunotherapy
• Are having an intense course of radiotherapy (radical radiotherapy) for lung cancer
• Are having targeted cancer treatments that can affect the immune system (such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors)
• Have blood or bone marrow cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma)
• Have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant in the past 6 months, or are still taking immunosuppressant medicine
• Have been told by a doctor they you have a severe lung condition (such as cystic fibrosis, severe asthma or severe COPD)
• Have a condition that means they have a very high risk of getting infections (such as SCID or sickle cell)
• Are taking medicine that makes them much more likely to get infections (such as high doses of steroids)
• Were born with a serious heart condition and are pregnant
• Are pregnant

If you’re at high risk from coronavirus, you should have received a letter from the NHS.

Speak to your GP or hospital care team if you have not been contacted and think you should have been.

People at moderate risk (Clinically Vulnerable)

People at moderate risk from Coronavirus include people who;

• Are 70 or older
• Are pregnant
• Have a lung condition that’s not severe (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis)
• Have heart disease (such as heart failure)
• Have diabetes
• Have chronic kidney disease
• Have liver disease (such as hepatitis)
• Have a condition affecting the brain or nerves (such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy)
• Have a condition that means they have a high risk of getting infections
• Are taking medicine that can affect the immune system (such as low doses of steroids)
• Are very obese (a BMI of 40 or above)

What shall I tell people who are visiting as care workers?

Let friends and family know that they should only visit if providing essential care such as washing, administering medication, dressing and preparing meals. The government has provided specific guidance about this on this page – see ‘What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?’

If you have a care worker employed by an agency, check what their policy is. Also check how the person being cared for feels about any decisions you need to make. Their welfare is of course paramount and they should be part of any decision made.

If in the instance a regular paid care worker was unable to come in because of contracting the virus, check whether anyone else would be able to step in temporarily if needed to provide essential support such as administering medication, obviously taking the utmost precautions.

I care for someone who is considered to be in the “high risk” group for Coronavirus, should I self-isolate?

At the moment, government guidance only requires people to self isolate if they are displaying symptoms of coronavirus or someone in their household is displaying symptoms. If you are self-isolating, you need to stay indoors at all times. See this NHS website page for more details. If the person you are living with and caring for has received a letter from the NHS, they must stay at home at all times and avoid all face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks, except from those providing essential medical care which may include you as their carer (unless you develop symptoms).

Further Information

For further information, please speak to one of our receptionists.

Family Planning And Sexual Health

A full range of contraceptive services including the pill and injections are available, please make an appointment with the doctor. We offer screening for Chlamydia for patients aged between 16 and 24, both male and female.

Chlamydia Testing
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI in England today and the rates are increasing. The test is offered to everyone between 15 and 25 years of age.

For most people, Chlamydia has no symptoms, so you don’t know if you or your partner has it without taking a test. If you are sexually active and under 25 years of age, you should be tested for Chlamydia every year, or when you change your partner.

Untreated Chlamydia can have serious long-term health implications and you may not be able to have children in the future.

Any form of unprotected sex can put you at risk.

To book an your appointment please ask one of our receptionists to book your appointment

Face masks and coverings are to be worn at all times by all GP’s, nurses, visitors and patients.

Face Masks Face Covering Exceptions

1. Exception from face covering badges (for a mobile phone)
2. Exception from face covering badges (to print)
3. Exception from face covering card (to print)

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

For test results, please contact the practice between 2.30PM and 4.30PM

Please note that not all immunsations are available on the NHS and you may have to payResources

• Terrance Higgins Trust

All links come from trusted sources, however, if you are unsure about them or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice

What is the MENB vaccination?

The MenB vaccine is recommended for babies aged 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year as part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme.

The MenB vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children.

Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning), which can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and, in some cases, death.

The MenB vaccine used is called Bexsero. It’s given as a single injection into your baby’s thigh.

England was the first country in the world to offer a national, routine, publicly funded MenB vaccination programme using the Bexsero vaccine

When should babies have the MENB vaccine?

The MenB vaccine is offered to babies alongside their other routine vaccinations at;

• 8 weeks
• 16 weeks
• 1 year

How to get the MENB vaccine

Your GP surgery or clinic will send you an appointment for your baby to have their MenB vaccination along with their other routine vaccinations.

Most surgeries and health centres run special immunisation or baby clinics. If you cannot get to the clinic, contact the surgery to make another appointment.

Find out when your baby should have the MenB vaccine.

To book an your appointment please ask one of our receptionists to book your appointment

Face masks and coverings are to be worn at all times by all GP’s, nurses, visitors and patients.

Face Masks and Face Covering Exceptions

1. Exception from face covering badges (for a mobile phone)
2. Exception from face covering badges (to print)
3. Exception from face covering card (to print)

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

MENB vaccine safety

Like all vaccines, the MenB vaccine can cause side effects, but studies suggest they are generally mild and do not last long.

Almost 8,000 people, including more than 5,000 babies and toddlers, have had the MenB vaccine during clinical trials to test its safety.

Since the vaccine was licensed, almost 2 million doses have been given, with no safety concerns identified.

Read the patient information leaflet for Bexsero

Can the MENB vaccine be given at the same time as other vaccines?

The MenB vaccine can be given at the same time as other routine baby vaccinations, such as the 6-in-1 vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.

Can vaccines overload a baby’s immune system?

MENB vaccine and fever

Babies given the MenB vaccine alongside their other routine vaccinations at 8 and 16 weeks are likely to develop a high temperature (fever) within 24 hours of vaccination.

It’s important to give your baby liquid paracetamol following vaccination to reduce the risk of fever. Your nurse will give you more information about paracetamol at your vaccination appointment.

Other common side effects include irritability, and redness and tenderness at the injection site. The liquid paracetamol will also help with these symptoms.

Read this NHS leaflet about how to use paracetamol to prevent and treat fever after MenB vaccination.

Meningitis is a killer

Meningococcal group B bacteria are a serious cause of life-threatening infections worldwide, including meningitis and blood poisoning, and the leading infectious killer of babies and young children in the UK.

There are 12 known groups of meningococcal bacteria, and group B (MenB) is responsible for about 90% of meningococcal infections in the UK.

Meningitis and sepsis caused by meningococcal group B bacteria can affect people of any age but are most common in babies and young children.

Meningococcal infections tend to come in bursts. In the past 20 years, between 500 and 1,700 people every year, mainly babies and young children, have developed MenB disease, with around 1 in 10 dying from the infection.

Many of those who survive have a permanent disability, such as an amputation, brain damage or epilepsy.

Read more about meningitis.

MENB vaccine protection

There are hundreds of different strains of meningococcal group B bacteria around the world, and some tests predict that the Bexsero MenB vaccine protects against almost 90% of the ones circulating in England.

However, it is not yet clear how this will relate to lives saved or cases prevented.

How the MENB vaccine works

The MenB vaccine is made from 3 major proteins found on the surface of most meningococcal bacteria, combined with the outer membrane of 1 MenB strain. Together, they stimulate the immune system to protect against future exposures to meningococcal bacteria.

For more detail on the ingredients of the MenB vaccine, read the patient information leaflet for Bexsero

Different types of Meningitis vaccines

There are 2 other vaccines against common strains of meningococcal disease:

• The MenACWY vaccine against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y – offered on the NHS to 14-year-olds and first-time students
• The Hib/MenC vaccine against haemophilus influenza type B and meningococcal group C – for babies at 1 year old

Resources

• Patient information leaflet for Bexsero
• NHS leaflet about how to use paracetamol to prevent and treat fever after MenB vaccination
• NHS Meningitis
• Benefits of the Meningitis Vaccination

All links come from trusted sources, however, if you are unsure about them or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice

An oral vaccine against rotavirus infection is given to babies as part of their routine childhood vaccinations. The vaccine is given as 2 doses, 4 weeks apart. Usually the first dose is given at 8 weeks, and the second dose at 12 weeks.

The vaccine is given as a liquid straight into the baby’s mouth for them to swallow.

Find out more about NHS vaccinations and when to have them.

What is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a highly infectious stomach bug that typically affects babies and young children, causing diarrhoea and vomiting, tummy ache and fever.

Most children recover at home within a few days to a week. But sometimes a child may need to see a doctor. Occasionally treatment in hospital is needed for complications, such as extreme dehydration.

Since its introduction into the vaccination programme, the rotavirus vaccine has significantly reduced the number of children who have diarrhoea and vomiting, and severe rotavirus infections.

Which babies can have the rotavirus vaccination?

Rotavirus vaccination is available routinely on the NHS as part of the childhood vaccination programme for babies aged 8 weeks and 12 weeks.

Read more about which babies can have the rotavirus vaccination.

The brand name of the rotavirus vaccine used in the UK is Rotarix.

Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for Rotarix.

To book an your appointment please ask one of our receptionists to book your appointment

Face masks and coverings are to be worn at all times by all GP’s, nurses, visitors and patients.

Face Masks And Face Covering Exceptions

1. Exception from face covering badges (for a mobile phone)
2. Exception from face covering badges (to print)
3. Exception from face covering card (to print)

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

How does the Rotavirus vaccine work?

The vaccine contains a weakened strain of rotavirus. This helps your baby to build up immunity, so that the next time they come into contact with rotavirus they will not get the disease.

How effective is the Rotavirus vaccine?

The rotavirus vaccine is very effective and gives good immunity to rotavirus infection. Since the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, it has had a significant impact on the number of cases of rotavirus.

The vaccine is given routinely to children in the US and many other countries around the world in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

What are the side effects of the Rotavirus vaccine?

The vast majority of babies will not have any problems at all after having their rotavirus vaccination. Some babies who have the vaccine may become restless and irritable, and some may develop mild diarrhoea in the days following vaccination.

It is possible for a baby to get rotavirus infection after being vaccinated. But this is uncommon and the illness is usually milder than it would have been if they had not been vaccinated.

Resources

• Rotavirus Vaccine- NHS
• Which babies can have the rotavirus vaccination
• Patient information leaflet (PIL) for Rotarix
• Rotavirus vaccine side effects
• Common questions that parents have about the rotavirus vaccine

All links come from trusted sources, however, if you are unsure about them or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice

Shingles, or Herpes Zoster, is condition caused by a re-occurrence of the Chickenpox virus. After you’ve had the virus, the virus stays inactive in your nervous system and can re-introduce later on in life, causing shingles. It is not clear what causes the virus to reactivate, but it occurs more in the elderly and causes a painful rash on one side of the body.

Around 1 in 4 adults can develop shingles in their lifetime. The immune system weakens as we get older, increasing the chances of Shingles, more severe in people aged over 70-75, or 78-79 years of age.

The symptoms of shingles can range from mild to severe and can be very unpleasant.

Shingles affects one side of the body, on the trunkm head, neck or the eye, starting with a headache and tiredness. It is common to feel tingling or burning sensations in the area of the skin before a rash appears. From a few days to 3 weeks, a severe red rash appears, which eventually turns in very painful fluid-filled blisters.

After a few days, the blisters dry out and take 2 – 4 weeks to heal, with most people recovering, however some can may experience long-term effects;

• Post-herpetic Neurolgia (PHN) – An unpleasant nerve pain lasting from weeks to months, or years for a few people. PHN affects the quality of life and even a slight breeze against the skin can very painful. The older you are the more pain you are most likely to be in
• Sometimes shingles can develop in the eye affecting the skin or the eyelid, causing severe pain, decreased vision and blindness in the affected eye
• Scarring
• Skin Infections
• Hearing Loss

Treatments

Shingles varies from person to person, while some require treatment. See your GP as soon as possible, within 72 hours of the rash occurring, as early treatment can help to reduce the risk of complications. You may also be prescribed painkilling or antiviral medication.

Face masks and coverings are to be worn at all times by all GP’s, nurses, visitors and patients.

Face Masks Face Covering Exceptions

1. Exception from face covering badges (for a mobile phone)
2. Exception from face covering badges (to print)
3. Exception from face covering card (to print)

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

Prevention
The Department of Health has introduced a National Shingles Immunisation Program to protect those at risk, the vaccination is recommended for people aged over 70-75, or 78-79 years of age, however not everyone will be eligible this year. If you are eligible, you will be asked to visit your GP.

From September 2019, people aged over 70-75, or 78-79 years of age are eligible for the vaccination, other age groups will be introduced in the futures ensuring that people aged 70-75, or 78-79 years of age are offered the Shingles vaccination.

Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for Zostavax.

To book an your appointment please ask one of our receptionists to book your appointment

For test results, please contact the practice between 2.30PM and 4.30PMResources

• Shingles – NHS
• Shinlges Aware

All links come from trusted sources, however, if you are unsure about them or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice

At what age should children have the nasal spray flu vaccine?

In the Autumn/winter of 2019/2020, the vaccine will be available free on the NHS for eligible children, including:

• Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2021 – born between 1st September 2017 and 31st August 2019
• Children in primary school (reception to year 6)
• All year 7 to year 11 children in secondary school
• Children aged 2 to 17 years with long term health conditions

If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years and has a long-term health condition that makes them at higher risk from flu, they’ll be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.

This is because the nasal spray is not licensed for children under 2 years.

The nasal spray vaccine offers the best protection for children aged 2 to 17 years. They will be offered the flu vaccine injection if the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for them.

If you receive a text or call, please book an appointment as soon as possible for your child’s vaccination.

Face masks and coverings are to be worn at all times by all GP’s, nurses, visitors and patients.

Children with long-term health conditions

Children Children with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems, are at higher risk from flu. It’s important they’re vaccinated.

Resources

• GOV.UK: flu vaccination for children: leaflets and posters (including information in alternative languages and formats)
• YouTube: protecting your child from flu British Sign Language (BSL) video

All links come from trusted sources, however, if you are unsure about them or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who;

• Are 50 and over (including those who’ll be 50 by 31 March 2023)
• Have certain health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Are in long-stay residential care
• Receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• Live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Frontline health or social care workers

Where To Get The Flu Vaccine
You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:

• Your GP surgery
• A pharmacy offering the service
• Your midwifery service if you’re pregnant
• A hospital appointment

If you do not have your flu vaccine at your GP surgery, you do not have to tell the surgery. This will be done for you.

Resources

• Personal health budgets
• Yellow Card Scheme
• GOV.UK: flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why (including how to request an accessible version)
• GOV.UK: flu vaccination easy read guides
• YouTube: flu vaccination British Sign Language (BSL) video

All links come from trusted sources, however, if you are unsure about them or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice

Measles is very deadly and could cause death.

Your child is at risk of measles if he or she has not had the MMR vaccination.

• 2 doses of the MMR vaccine are needed to ge the best protection
• If your child is due to have had the 2 doses of MMR, but has not received them, no matter what age they are, you should book an appointment with 1 of our nurses as soon as possible
• If you can’t remember if your child has had 1 or 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, check his or her personal health check record (the Red Book). If this does not help contact one of our receptionists who can advise you more and book an appointment with 1 of our nurses
• If you don’t know how many doses your child has had, it’s better to have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine now rather them being unprotected
• In response to the local outbreak, then the 2 doses can be given a month apart from the age of 18 months

For more infiormation about Measles and the MMR Vaccine, please visit,

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Measles/

Answers to common questions about measles and the MMR vaccine

The surgery provides medical serives for all types of vaccinations amd immunistions, including child and travel vaccinations. Influenza (Flu) vaccinations are offered to over 65 year olds, high risk patients, such as Asthma COPD, Diabeteics and Heart Disease patients once a year from October to December.

Face masks and coverings are to be worn at all times by all GP’s, nurses, visitors and patients.

Face Masks and Face Covering Exceptions

1. Exception from face covering badges (for a mobile phone)
2. Exception from face covering badges (to print)
3. Exception from face covering card (to print)

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

Booking appointments for 8 Week parent and baby immunisations

During the Coronavirus pandemic, all young babies will continue to receive their 2 month (8 week) checks and immunisations from the practice. Patient’s should contact the practice to make an appointment for themselves and their baby or babies, with one of our GP’s and nurses. Post-natal appointments can also be made with the nurse.

Resources

• Rotavirus Vaccine- NHS
• Which babies can have the Rotavirus vaccination?
• Patient Information Leaflet For Rotarivus
• Rotavirus Vaccine Side Effects
• Common questions that parents have about the rotavirus vaccine
• Men B Vaccine- NHS
• Complete Immunisations Table June 2020
• Annual Flu Programme 2020-2021
• Patient Information Leaflet For Bexsero

All links come from trusted sources, however, if you are unsure about them or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice