Key messages
- With the Autumn and Winter months approaching, it is important that we take steps to protect ourselves from catching and spreading COVID-19 as well as other seasonal viruses.
- Vaccines are the best protection we have against viruses like flu and COVID-19. People are being urged to come forward for their seasonal vaccinations as soon as they are invited to ensure they are protected
- GPs and community NHS teams across Gloucestershire are offering COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccines to people who are most at risk of getting very ill this winter or those who work with our most vulnerable residents. Find out if you are eligible.
- The bulk of COVID boosters and flu vaccinations continue to be provided by appointment through the 11 GP-led community vaccination centres and some GP practices across the county. Local GP services will be in touch if they haven’t already.
- People also have the choice to arrange their flu vaccination with their local pharmacy or use the National Booking System (NBS) website or phone number to book their COVID-19 booster at one of six community pharmacies around the county.
- Adults can have their COVID booster and flu vaccination at the same time, subject to supplies. However, if you’re not yet eligible for a COVID booster (i.e. your second dose was less than six months ago) it’s really important not to delay getting your flu vaccine
- Anyone who is eligible but hasn’t yet had their first or second dose can still take up the offer - just follow the instructions in your original invitation from local GP services, use the national booking system (NBS) to get an appointment at a community pharmacy or look out for drop-in clinics. Check what is available is to visit the Gloucestershire CCG website.
- The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination to 12-15 years old continues. Eligible children and young people will be offered a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Getting the vaccine will help keep their lives moving supporting mental health and wellbeing.
- As well as getting vaccinated, there are other simple steps we can all take to help slow the spread of viruses.
- Let fresh air in. Viruses spread more quickly when we’re all gathered together inside - opening windows, even just for ten minutes or short bursts regularly, can make a real difference;
- Wear face coverings when in enclosed spaces, like on public transport;
- Wash hands regularly – a simple step that can help prevent the spread of any virus or infection;
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, to avoid passing it on to someone else; and
- Get the NHS COVID-19 app – the app remains a key tool in reducing the spread of Covid
And..
- If you have any of the main Covid symptoms get a PCR test and isolate if you test positive.
Testing
In the preceding 30 days of reporting (12 September - 12 October) under our local pillar 2* testing sites 319,341 tests have been undertaken in Gloucestershire residents, 1.78 % of these were positive.
Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) locations⁶
- Lower Lode Depot, Lower Lode Lane, Tewkesbury, GL20 5TT (Friday-Monday, Wednesday-Friday)
- Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS (Friday-Monday, Wednesday-Friday)
- Car Park, Oldends Lane, Stonehouse, GL10 2DG (Friday-Sunday, Friday)
- Car Park off Newerne Street, Lydney, GL15 5RA (Friday, Thursday-Friday)
- Hartpury University & Hartpury College, Gloucester, GL19 3BE (Saturday-Sunday, Wednesday)
- University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH (Saturday)
- Cinderford RFC, Dockham Rd, Cinderford GL14 2AQ (Monday-Tuesday)
- North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG (Tuesday-Wednesday)
- Stow RFC, Oddington Road, Stow on the Wold, GL54 1JJ (Monday-Tuesday)
- Dursley Rugby Club, Hounds Green, Dursley GL11 6AJ (Monday-Tuesday)
Permanent Testing Site Locations
PCR Testing Sites
Gloucester RTS
Hempsted Meadows, David Hook Way, Gloucester, GL2 5LE
Cheltenham LTS
Coronation Square, Edinburgh Place, Cheltenham, GL51 7RG Stroud LTS
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AF
You can book a test here for one of these sites if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.
Assisted Testing in Pharmacies (LFD)
You can see which pharmacies you can take a rapid test at if you do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.
LFD Home Test Collection
Anyone can collect LFD kits for use at home from any of the locations listed here including some pharmacies and local libraries.
LFD Home Test Delivery
If you cannot get tested at your workplace or are unable to go to a test site or collect test kits, you can order a test kit to your home.
Outbreaks
In the last 7 days, there has been 6 confirmed⁷ outbreaks in high risk settings in Gloucestershire.
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