Latest COVID updates
For the most up to date information, please visit the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
For the most up to date local information https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/
Getting a note for your employer if you are self-isolating
COVID vaccination programme
COVID-19 Vaccination for Eligible Adults
For more information about the COVID vaccination programme and those who are eligible for vaccination, please visit the NHS website.
As a practice, the logistics, vaccine supply, and general demand on our primary services will determine the speed at which we can offer the booster vaccination to our patients, but you will be contacted when we are in a position to offer you the vaccination. Further information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.
During the vaccination delivery, we will maintain the range of measures we have in place to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Staff involved in administering the vaccine will be wearing personal protective equipment and will adhere to all infection prevention control measures.
If you are receiving your COVID vaccination for the first time, please click here to read, download and print your consent form. Failure to attend without a signed consent will result in us being unable to vaccinate you. If you are unable to download a consent form please collect one from us before the day of your appointment.
COVID 19 and Flu Vaccination FAQ’s
When will I receive information or an invitation about the Autumn 2023 Flu and COVID vaccinations?
Answer – The Autumn 2023 vaccination programme is now being offered to eligible patients at the practice for a limited time period. We are making the appropriate arrangements now to deliver the programme, and will be inviting eligible patients within the next few weeks.
To keep call queue times down please do not contact the practice to enquire about your vaccination, you will receive your invitation in due course.
Am I eligible?
Answer – All eligible patients for the vaccine will be contacted by us in due course.
Should you wish to check your eligibility for the COVID vaccination in the Autumn 2023 season please click on the following link: COVID booster vaccination eligibility (link to https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jcvi-advises-on-eligible-groups-for-2023-autumn-booster) – correct as at 1st September 2023.
Should you wish to check your eligibility for the flu vaccination in the Autumn 2023 season please click on the following link: Flu vaccination eligibility (link to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-flu-immunisation-programme-plan/national-flu-immunisation-programme-2023-to-2024-letter) – correct as at 1st September 2023
Should anyone with a booked appointment not fulfil the criteria, their appointment will be cancelled. Speak to reception for more information.
What should I do if I only want one of the vaccinations?
Answer – If you are eligible for both vaccinations but would only like one of them, or if you are only eligible for one of the vaccinations, please do not book into the dedicated dual vaccination appointment slots. This has a significant impact on our resource and planning. Instead, please wait to be contacted by us with the dates for the single vaccination clinics.
Which COVID vaccination will I receive?
Answer – You will likely receive a Sanofi or Pfizer vaccination during the Autumn 2023 season if you are vaccinated by us, however we cannot control the supplies provided to us.
I’m housebound. When and how will I receive my vaccinations?
Answer – If you received your last vaccination at home and are known by us to be formally housebound, please be assured that we will be arranging for you to receive your booster dose at home, and we (or another service on our behalf) will be in touch. For anyone who is able to leave their home to attend other appointments or visit other local services including hospital appointments, we ask that you please attend the surgery or another local provider to receive your vaccinations.
I need transport to get to my vaccination appointment.
Answer – If you are unable to arrange transport via the local taxi companies, please contact The Voluntary Network (thevoluntarynetwork.org) will be running transport to vaccination appointments. They will charge their usual fare and they can be contacted on 01638 664304. Alternatively, try the Bury St Edmunds Rickshaw service at https://www.bserickshaw.org.uk/ (link).
I cannot see my vaccinations on the NHS App, or I cannot generate a COVID passport online.
Answer – The practice is unable to support any queries with the NHS App, or the COVID pass unless your COVID vaccination was given or arranged by the practice. The NHS website incorrectly directs the general public to their GP service for all queries, but the recording of vaccinations given elsewhere is completely outside of our control. Please contact the service that administered or arranged your vaccination in the first instance, or alternatively, contact 119. If the practice arranged your vaccination, please contact us (link to contact page).
My first COVID vaccinations were not given by an NHS organisation. How do I see my vaccinations in the NHS app? Will I receive an invitation for my booster?
Answer – We are not able to record COVID vaccinations given abroad or by any non-NHS provider. Please see the following link for more information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/tell-nhs-about-coronavirus-vaccinations-abroad/
I am travelling abroad and need an urgent letter confirming my vaccination status.
Answer – We are unable to provide the equivalent of a COVID pass. Please check the entry criteria for the country you are visiting and contact 119 or request a letter online at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/ (Link). The COVID pass is normally available via the NHS App. In the event that you do not have time to generate a COVID pass, you will need to make alternative arrangements such as a private antigen/PCR test. Please speak to your local pharmacy for more information about the testing services available locally.
I have an unanswered query, or am having difficulties booking an appointment. What should I do?
Answer – Please contact us via email at gbs.reception@nhs.net if at all possible. This will ensure patients needing medical advice and support are able to reach our reception team as quickly as possible. If you have no other means of contacting us except via telephone, please try to call us between 11am and 3pm, our off-peak hours.
