Covid-19: the facts

Now more than ever it is vital that everyone in our communities gets accurate and up-to-date information about how to keep safe and avoid catching Covid-19. At Manor Gardens we are providing simple, straightforward information in a range of community languages via social media to ensure that everyone can assess the risks for themselves and make informed decisions.

Coronavirus vaccine

Islington mobilised very quickly to set up vaccination centres and book eligible people in for appointments. However, there are still many people over 70 who haven't taken up the vaccine, for a variety of reasons. Here is some information for anyone who is over 70 or has a relative or friend who is.

Anyone over 64 can book themselves an appointment for their first vaccination. You can also book by ringing 119. You must book first, so that clinics can ensure social distancing and the number of appointments is based on the supply available that day.

You don't need to know your NHS number to use the booking website or phone line but it will be easier if you do. You can find it on your NHS card or a recent letter from the NHS. You do have to be registered with a GP practice though.

You can find also find your NHS number on the NHS App or here.

If you have already had your first dose, please wait for the NHS to contact you for your second appointment. It is very important that you attend your second appointment to give you the best protection against the virus.

When you use the National Booking Service you can choose where to get your vaccination, including booking in some pharmacies. Only a small number of people don’t live within travelling distance of at least one centre. If you are having difficulty booking online or on the phone, contact us on 07483 149 519 and we will try to support you to make the appointment.

Your GP will also be trying to contact you to book you in. If you haven’t been contacted already, this could be because you are not registered with a GP or have recently moved. If you have never registered with a GP or haven’t been to a GP for a while, you can find your nearest GP here. As well as getting access to Covid-19 vaccines, being registered means you will be invited to important health checks and can get medical help more easily.

If you have booked an appointment but need to rearrange it, you can do it through the ‘manage your appointments’ section on the booking page of the website or by ringing 119.  If you can’t attend your appointment for any reason, please rearrange it so that the appointment slot can be given to someone else who needs it.  

If you receive a letter for someone who does not live at your address anymore, please return to sender in the usual way so that our records can be updated.

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Covid and You

COVID-19 (the corona virus) is spread when you breathe out droplets from your nose or mouth, particularly when speaking or coughing. You can also pick it up by touching your eyes, nose and mouth after contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.

It is important that we do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and work together to keep our friends, family and community safe. Please do all you can to follow lockdown restrictions and public health advice to keep yourself and loved ones safe, including:

• Space – Keep 2 metres away from everyone except those you live with
• Wash your hands – wash regularly with warm, soapy water, on both sides
• Face – wear a face mask when you go to the shops and when you meet people indoors (for example, at work or at the doctor’s). Make sure it covers your nose and mouth at all times.
• Open the windows – keep your house or place of work well ventilated.

You should:

• Stay at home unless you're leaving the house for a permitted reason (food shopping, work, getting the vaccine)
• Exercise once a day on your own or with your family/support bubble
• Work from home if you can
• Don’t meet people indoors or outdoors who don’t live with your or who are not in your support bubble
• Only travel for a permitted reason and walk or cycle where possible
• Schools are currently closed, except for vulnerable children and children of key workers

If you feel ill and have any of the Covid-19 symptoms, you must self-isolate and book a test by calling 119 or online. If you are self-isolating you should not leave your home for any reason during this time.

Vaccination

Vaccinations against Covid-19 are crucial in helping our society get back to some sort of normality. But they only work if everyone has one.

The vaccines are being rolled out very fast and are being given to priority groups first, with the aim of vaccinating everyone during 2021.

Over 20 million people in the UK have had the first dose of the vaccine and both types being used in the UK have been shown to have a good safety record. There are some common side effects, such as a sore arm, tiredness, and flu-like symptoms, which usually last a couple of days.

Serious allergic reactions to the vaccines are rare. They do not contain egg, which causes allergic reactions in other jabs.

Everyone can have the vaccine: there are no contents of animal origin (gelatine) used in the vaccine and they are deemed acceptable by religious leaders.