Video of the online meeting (Feb 3rd) to patients available here - discussing the current station, details of the vaccines, myths and misinformation, how you will get your vaccine - all the local arrangements.

We are now calling up Group 6 patients - those aged 16-65y in 'at risk groups'.

Vaccination is locally delivered by the GP run service at Kingsbury Hindu Temple on Kingsbury Road. The first sites we ran in this area from December 16th at Central Middx Hosp., Wembley Centre for Health & Care which also continue.
(Also at a mass vaccination site next to Wembley Stadium run by the NHS).
We are giving the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine and Oxford/Astra Zeneca Covid vaccine to the highest risk groups according to the government schedule, currently the over 75y age group. Which vaccine is used depends on deliveries and we will not know at the point when you book.
The Moderna vaccine has now been approved and will be available from some time in the spring and there are others on the way (see video above for details)

The NHS policy is now to give a single dose of either vaccine to vaccinate the largest number of vulnerable people quickest as we know one dose protects from severe Covid infection.
The second dose will be given around 12 weeks after. Two doses will reduce the risk of any infection but having a single dose gives the biggest amount of protection and reduces the risk of severe infection, which will reduce the likelihood of hospital admission and serious complications. This will protect the hospitals and whole NHS from overload, which is has been happening. There are also restricted amounts of vaccine available globally and we have to make best use of what is available to be shared around. However there is now evidence emerging that the 12 week delay may make the vaccine more effective than the shorter gap.
We shall be calling people around 10w after the first vaccine. Some who were vaccinated early will have had the second dose already before the policy changed.
For those who want to look at the details here is the statement from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation

NHS Website overview on coronavirus vaccination

Harness GP Federation members - including our Willow Tree GPs -have been working all hours sorting out the logistics, which are extremely complex. Patients in the highest risk group are called up by SMS text according to national directives. For those without SMS or internet access we shall use alternative methods. Please do not call us - we'll call everyone in turn as more vaccine becomes available - watch here for more details.

New mass vaccination sites will be coming on stream soon at Wembley Stadium (Network House) - Jan 18th - and locally at Kingsbury Temple - Jan 28th.

The whole subject of the different vaccines in development and becoming available, who will get them and in what priority order is complex - the BBC Website gives the clearest visual explanation

NHS Website overview on coronavirus vaccination

Detailed information about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for recipients

How do we know if the vaccine is safe? (from BBC website)

Information about the New Variant Covid-19 (a useful summary from BBC website)

Information for use of Covid vaccination in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Useful fact checks to counter some of the dangerous mis-information being spread (from Fullfact.org)

Vaccine scams - make sure you don't fall for criminals trying to get your money or identity

NHS leaflets here:

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
If you are worried you may have or been in contact with Covid-19 use the 111 online checker 111 online coronavirus service
Only phone 111 if you cannot get online help (expect delays).
You should contact 111 if you are getting worse, cannot cope with your symptoms or you are not getting better after 7 days. Do NOT go to the GP or pharmacy or hospital or walk-in centres.

Here's all the proper, official advice: NHS.UK & Gov.UK

How to stay Healthy at Home
Advice for parents during the pandemic
Support for carers, the vulnerable and isolated Brent Gateway Partnership
Accessing Emergency Care for Children during the pandemic

Work:
If you are self-isolating but well, get an Isolation Note Download here - we cannot provide this. If you can work from home you do not need an isolation note.
If you are sick and cannot work fill in a self certificate for up to 7 days. Over 7 days absence requires a Fit Note which we can provide - fill in an eConsult or phone us. Employment rights and advice

There are two main types of tests - Antigen and Antibody
Here is a summary of the different tests for Covid-19 and what they mean

Who can get a free test
Free NHS test only if at least one of the following applies:
• you have a high temperature
• you have a new, continuous cough
• you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed
• you’ve been asked to get a test by a local council
• you’re taking part in a government pilot project
• you’ve been asked to get a test to confirm a positive result

You can also get a test:
for someone you live with if they have symptoms.
If you’re going into hospital - you may need to get tested if you’re due to have surgery or a procedure.
The hospital will arrange this for you. Contact your hospital department if you have any questions.
If you live in a Care Home, they will arrange this for you.

(You cannot use this service to get a test if: you’ve come to the UK from a high-risk country, you’re planning to leave the country, your employer or school has asked you to get a test but you have no symptoms. You can pay for a private test.)

When to get a test
If you have symptoms, get a test as soon as possible.
Book a visit to a test site to have the test today. Test sites are open 7 days a week. Order a home test kit if you cannot get to a test site.

Book your test here (or phone 119 if you cannot access the web-booking)

Official government local and national statistics update daily
This vaccine tracker shows progress of the 270 Covid-19 vaccines currently in research - which will make it and which won't.