This message provides an important update about the COVID-19 vaccination programme. It is aimed at eligible staff who work in Adults and Health Services (including Public Health) and Children, Young People and Learning Service (Social Care, including Early Help.)
Further to our recent updates we have now been invited by our local NHS hospital hubs to encourage staff to book appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations directly at one of the Sussex hospital sites. Please use the direct links below to book an appointment.
It is important that all eligible health and social care staff can be vaccinated as quickly as possible. First dose vaccination appointments are available for all paid, employed (including agency) health and social care staff working in Sussex. At this stage it does not include volunteers.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that health and social care staff are among the first people to be offered the vaccine in order to prevent death and protect health and social care staff and systems.
Book your appointment directly at one of the following hospital hubs:
Eastbourne https://booking.zesty.co.uk/practices/esht-eastbourne-covid-vaccine
Hastings https://booking.zesty.co.uk/practices/esht-conquest-covid-vaccine
Princess Royal https://booking.zesty.co.uk/practices/bsuh-prh-covidvaccine
Brighton - https://booking.zesty.co.uk/practices/bsuh-rsc-covidnineteenvaccine
St Richard’s - https://booking.zesty.co.uk/practices/wsht-srh-covidvaccine
Worthing - https://booking.zesty.co.uk/practices/wsht-wh-covidvaccine
East Grinstead - https://booking.zesty.co.uk/practices/qvh-covid-vaccination
(Please note the appointments for East Grinstead are only for bookings this week)
Please note the vaccination programme is delivered by the NHS and we are unable to answer queries around the vaccine or their booking arrangements.
You must present photographic staff ID when attending along with confirmation of the appointment, which will be provided when you book.
If you do not have photographic staff ID, please bring alternative photo ID, for example, passport, photo-card driving licence, or a national ID card, together with a payslip or letter of authorisation from your manager. If you do not have access to a printer please download it onto your phone or other mobile device and take with you in case you need to show it to the vaccination centre. Please find a link to a template letter that your manager can use.
You will also need to know your NHS number which is required for appointments. You can get this from a prescription, from any letter from your GP or hospital, from Online Services if you use this with your GP, or download and register with the NHS App.
IMPORTANT: If you have tested positive for COVID-19 you will need to wait 28 days from when you had your positive result before receiving a vaccination. If you have had the flu vaccination you must wait 7 days before receiving your COVID-19 vaccination.
You must have a booked appointment as you will not be vaccinated without one.
It is very important that we understand who still needs a vaccine and who has received a vaccination or has an appointment booked for a vaccine. Please make sure you complete one of the two surveys.
It’s important that you continue to update these surveys as your circumstances change.
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If you have not been vaccinated (with a first dose) and you have not been able to book onto a vaccination appointment, please complete this survey: COVID-19 Vaccination Programme – health and social care employees who are still waiting for a vaccination appointment
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If you’ve had a vaccination or have got a vaccination booked please complete this survey: COVID-19 Vaccination Programme – health and social care employees who have had a COVID-19 vaccination or have an appointment booked
If you have any further queries about the surveys or the process please send them to vaccination@westsussex.gov.uk.
What further information is available? The government has produced a useful guide for social care workers which you may find useful to look ahead of being offered your vaccination: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-a-guide-for-social-care-staff
More information about the vaccination programme in Sussex is available on the local NHS website.
Do I need to continue following infection control guidelines after my vaccine? Yes. Two doses of the vaccine will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. No vaccine is completely effective, and it will take a few weeks for your body to build up protection.
You will, therefore, still need to follow the guidance in your workplace, including wearing the correct personal protection equipment and taking part in any screening programs.
Please continue to keep West Sussex safe and protect yourself, your residents, your family, friends and colleagues by following the general advice at work, at home and when you are out and about:
- practice social distancing;
- wear a face covering;
- wash your hands carefully and frequently; and
- If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and immediately self-isolate for at least ten days from when your symptoms started.
We will continue to update you on the vaccination programme. Thank you for your time in completing the relevant survey, it will mean we are able to support and protect as many staff who are at most risk of exposure to infection from COVID-19 as soon as possible.
PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS COMMUNICATION WITH ANYONE. THE LINKS IN THIS COMMUNICATION ARE ONLY FOR THOSE WORKING IN HEALTH OR SOCIAL CARE. THE NHS HOSPITALS HUBS WILL ONLY VACCINATE PEOPLE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE STAFF.
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