* Information used in this update is correct as of Friday 20 August. Please check this page regularly as the information may change. Always defer to the more specific personalised advice that you may receive from your own GP or other healthcare professional. *
Many of you have been in touch with me regarding the vaccine programme roll out. This is something I am working on incredibly closely with our local health providers. It is a fast-moving situation; however, I am keen to ensure everyone has as much information as possible. I have therefore captured below the most frequently asked questions and will be updating it as and when new information becomes available.
As ever, if you have any further questions or wish to discuss a specific case please email me at laura.trott.mp@parliament.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Q. WHERE IN THE CONSTITUENCY CAN I GO TO BE VACCINATED?
The Alexandra Suite, St Mary's Road, Swanley and Sevenoaks Pharmacy, Dartford Road, Sevenoaks are locations within the constituency that are providing the vaccine. Check through this link for availability within Kent: https://www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/your-health/coronavirus/covid19vacc…
Sevenoaks Pharmacy 42 Dartford Rd, Sevenoaks TN13 3TQ
- The service is available 8am - 8pm, seven days a week and administering up to 200 vaccinations a day.
- You can book through https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccinat… or dial 119 for an appointment.
- Please DO NOT attend the pharmacy for vaccination without a prior appointment (although the usual pharmacy services are open to all as normal).
- The entrance to receive the vaccine is in Holly Bush Lane.
- Parking is available on Dartford Road on the right as you head into Sevenoaks Town. Other spaces are available nearby.
- If you have trouble walking, there are spaces reserved outside the entrance in Holly Bush Lane either for drop off or parking.
- Please do not park in these spaces if you are able to walk 2-3 minutes – they need to be reserved for those with severe mobility problems.
- If you have any concerns, there are volunteer marshal’s outside the entrance to help you.
- Other Pharmacies
- The NHS may offer you other pharmacy locations outside of the constituency - here are two of the nearest
- Boots, Bluewater
- Aspire Sidcup High Street, Sidcup
Q. WHO CAN EXPECT TO RECEIVE A VACCINE AT THIS TIME?
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP announced on 15 August that all young people aged 16 to 17 in England are to be offered a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by 23 August ahead of the new school year. Young people in this age group are being invited by text and letter to book their appointments through GPs or via walk-in centres. NHS England launched a new online walk-in site finder to help 16 and 17-year-olds locate the nearest available centre.
Teenagers within three months of turning 18 can book their vaccine appointment online through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.
Children aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 or who live with adults who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus are also being contacted by the NHS and invited for their vaccine by 23 August.
For vaccines, the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI) – an independent body of experts – advises the government on prioritisation. JCVI advised an approach that prioritised those in care homes first, then those aged 80 and older and front-line health and social care staff. Beyond these groups, prioritisation is a mix of age (in 5-year intervals) and younger people who are clinically vulnerable.
Q. I AM OLD ENOUGH TO BE VACCINATED BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING; WHO SHOULD I CALL?
Anyone who is 18 or over can book directly with the NHS. These bookings are made via the online NHS vaccination portal here. Or by calling 119.
Q. WHERE CAN I FIND THE LATEST DATA ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VACCINATIONS IN ENGLAND?
The latest stats for England can be found: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/covid-19-vaccinations/
Q. HOW CAN I OBTAIN AN ASYMPTOMATIC TEST
The asymptomatic sites in Swanley and Bat & Ball are now closed.
If you need to be tested, you can either:
Pick up a test from your local pharmacy (which can be found by typing your post code into this link https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/
Order online an at home test via https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow...
If you still wish to attend a walk-in centre, the nearest location is in Maidstone - Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XQ.
If you are showing any coronavirus symptoms you should continue to book in for a conventional PCR test via 119 or via the Government website at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. PLEASE DO NOT attend the Maidstone site if you are symptomatic.
COVID VACCINATION SCAM ALERT - WARNING FROM KENT & MEDWAY CCG
I have been made aware that some people are receiving fraudulent calls and text messages offering the Covid-19 vaccination.
In some cases, people are asked to press a number on their keypad or to send a text message to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine. Doing so is likely to result in a charge being applied to their phone bill. In other cases, callers are offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank details.
Please be alert to these scams.
The vaccine is only available from the NHS and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn.
The NHS will:
- NEVER ask you to press a button on your keypad to confirm you want a vaccine.
- NEVER ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details.
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, report it to Kent Police online or phone 101.