Author: stapsell

Mobile COVID testing unit in Hartland, Mon 11 Oct 0900-1230

The council has informed us they are visiting Hartland next week, with the following helpful information:

Did you know that one in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms?

That’s why Devon County Council is encouraging people in Devon to take twice-weekly rapid lateral flow tests, helping identify those who may unknowingly have the virus and breaking the chain of transmission. Even those who have been vaccinated could catch and spread coronavirus, so regular testing for people without symptoms will pick up cases to stop it spreading in the community.

One of our mobile testing vans will be at the British Legion Car Park, Hartland, on Monday 11th at 0900 to 1230.

Even though test kits are readily available and it’s easy for people to do the tests themselves at home, we are finding a lot of people are still preferring to have assistance from us to take the test. Our mobile testing units and staff are ready and happy to help. No booking is required and we’ll get the results to you within half an hour, allowing you to get on with your day. Last week, our mobile sites helped people with 516 lateral flow tests. They also handed out 18,000 tests for people to do themselves at home.

You can find out more on our website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/rapid-testing-devon

Flu Clinic, Sat 25 Sep and Sun 26 Sep 2021

Its flu vaccine time again, the list of those eligible has increased to include all over 50s, as well as “at risk groups”, more info here. If you think you may be eligible, call the surgery on 01237 441200 and book your vaccine. We are due a big vaccine delivery on Monday 20 September, and will confirm when they arrive on this page. (CONFIRM VACCINES ALL ARRIVED!)

What about COVID boosters?

These are seperately being arranged by a national booking system and we expect them to be offered by age-groups once again. After receiving an invitation letter you should be able to book through the national website here when they have appointments available for Westward Ho! and Barnstaple.

Any more flu vaccine dates?

Yes, as well as Sat 25 Sep, Sun 26 Sep we will also be flu jabbing on Sat 30 Oct.

Quarterly Shutdown Afternoon Thursday 9 September 2021

We have a half-day shutdown afternoon, where we will be closed for staff training on Thursday 9 September 1pm-6pm. A number of pre-booked appointments will happen as normal on Thursday evening from 6-8pm and medications can be collected during this time.

During the afternoon URGENT requests can be made by calling 111.

Non-urgent queries should wait for the surgery to re-open on Friday 10 September from 8am, phone lines at 8.30am.

Many thanks

Dr Sam Tapsell

PS Walk in vaccination clinic in Barnstaple dates, Pfizer Vaccine

08.30 to 5pm on 5, 7, 12 and 14 of September at leisure centre – still a chance to GRAB A JAB!, especially if you are aged 16-17.

 

Second Dose Dates (AMENDED)

We are planning our vaccine dates for second doses of Oxford Vaccine at Hartland Surgery.

We amended dates on Tue 18 May 2021, after change of guidance and vaccine supply to enable 8 weeks interval between doses.

First Dose at HartlandSecond Dose at Hartland
(Amended)
Wed 3rd Feb
Thu 12 Feb		Wed 28 Apr
Wed 17 FebFri 7 May
Thu 25 Feb
Fri 5 Mar
Wed 10 Mar
Fri 19 Mar *		Fri 21 May
Wed 31 Mar *
Thu 1 Apr *		Wed 2 Jun

* second dose date brought forwards to around 8 weeks

Vaccines open to over 45’s – book through national system

If you are aged 45 or above, you are now eligible for a vaccine, booked through the national booking website. You will be offered a choice of vaccine venues.

We will not be doing more “first doses” at Hartland Surgery. We will still be doing second doses up until the end of June for those who had the first dose at the surgery.

We still encourage everyone to get a vaccine, to get protected for themselves, and to prevent circulation of the virus in our community.

We currently have 1648 (59%) of our patients vaccinated (first dose) including 272 (10%) who are fully vaccinated (both doses).

Low Carb Group – next meeting 22 April at 6.30pm

We try to hold our Real Food Low Carb meetings on the 2nd Thursday of every month, but we have had to postpone this month’s due to the Easter school holidays. So, we’re planning our next meeting on Thursday 22nd April at 630pm. We will send the zoom invites out nearer the time.
We are hoping that from May onwards we may be able to start meeting in person in the village hall. Please keep an eye on our website for updates.
We hope to see you on 22nd and wish you all the very best.
Dr Ruth and Holly

Oxford Vaccine, Second doses and Blood Clots

We are now looking out for blood clots after the Oxford Vaccine (Astra-Zeneca), around 4 in every millions doses. There is more information in a government leaflet here

We are told these dont develop until after 4 days from the vaccine date (which is after the common 2-3 days of “flu-like” symptoms, which can include headache, temperature and feeling unwell).

There are no reports of clots after a second dose, so we have no concerns recommending the second vaccine dose, even where you felt unwell for 2-3 days afterwards, or are in the younger group of people.

What should I look out for after vaccination?

Although serious side effects are very rare, if you experience any of the following from around 4 days to 4 weeks after vaccination you should
seek medical advice urgently.

  • a new, severe headache which is not helped by usual painkillers or is getting worse
  • a headache which seems worse when lying down or bending over or
  • an unusual headache that may be accompanied by:
    • blurred vision, nausea and vomiting
    • diffculty with your speech
    • weakness, drowsiness or seizures
    • new, unexplained pinprick bruising or bleeding
    • shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal pain

Mop Up Clinic This Wednesday (groups 1-9)

We have vaccine available, and a few of our patients are eligible but still not had their first dose. Overal 1534 (56%) of our patients have had a first dose of vaccine so far. This is actually 71% of those eligible, since a vaccine is currently recommended for those aged over 18.

We are therefore getting in touch with those not yet done to offer a catch up vaccine for Wednesday, please get in touch if you are waiting from groups 1-9 (Aged over 50, vulnerable, carers).

For those under 50, there is expected to be a delay through April while vaccine priority is on the second doses within 12 weeks to get maximum protection for those most at risk.

Regarding numbers, we have the following cohort sizes still needing vaccine, a total of 635

  • Aged 40-49 – 205
  • Age 30-39 – 190
  • Age 18-29 – 240

Should I get the COVID Vaccine?

As we move to younger groups of patients, we are getting more questions regarding whether it would be a good idea to be vaccinated?

YES! 100% yes! Every member of our staff has been vaccinated.

  • COVID is very contagious – you will almost all get exposed in the next year or two.
  • Fatigue and breathlessness is common after COVID, even in previously fit and active people, its not just the risk of death.
  • There is very good safety data on the vaccines to show that any risks are much lower compared with the placebo group. “Real world” data in the UK has shown a dramatic fall in the overall death rate starting a few weeks after the vaccine.
  • After a vaccine you are unlikely to be unwell from COVID, almost certain to not need hospital treatment for COVID, much lower risk of spreading infection.
  • You will be protecting our community, making our area a safer place to live for everyone. Especially for those who dont have a strong immune system.

What about pregnant women or children? We are waiting to confirm that vaccination is safe, but we will vaccinate our children if this is recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). They are the best in their field, whose expert advice we trust.