COVID-19 Booster information

There is unfortunately a lot of misinformation being circulated amongst the community regarding the COVID vaccine.  Most of this information is false and unfounded.  Please obtain information from verified sources.  Below are links to the British Islamic Medical Association with in depth analysis of both vaccines:

https://britishima.org/covid19-vaccine-az/

https://britishima.org/pfizer-biontech-covid19-vaccine/

If you have suffered from long term symptoms after being diagnosed with COVID 19, you can get help and information from the following NHS site:

https://www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/

Letter and translations to help people without an NHS number access the COVID-19 vaccine and register with a GP
A letter from Dr Nikki Kanani to reassure people without an NHS number, including migrants, about their entitlement to the COVID-19 vaccine and if they wish to, how to register at a GP practice has now been translated into 23 languages.

Circulated via the Home Office and local housing, homeless and migrant teams; it explains that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and available to every adult living in the UK, free of charge without any immigration checks. The letter also stresses that people do not need to have to be registered at a GP practice or have an NHS number to get the COVID-19 vaccine and what people need to do in these circumstances. You can access the letter and the translations online here and access guidance to help you to support the community on the COVID-19 vaccine equalities connect and exchange hub.

Translations available in Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech, Estonian, Farsi, Greek, Gujarati, Hindi, Latvian, Polish, Portuguese Brazilian, Punjabi, Romiani, Romanian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, Twi, Ukrainian, Urdu.

COVID-19 booster vaccine information

A coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine dose helps improve the protection you have from your first 2 doses of the vaccine.

It helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

Who can get a COVID-19 booster vaccine

Booster vaccine doses will be available on the NHS for people most at risk from COVID-19 who had their second dose of a vaccine at least 6 months ago.

Eligible people are:

• People aged 50 and over
• people who live and work in care homes
• Frontline health and social care workers
• People aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
• Carers aged 16 and over
• People aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)

People who are pregnant and in 1 of the eligible groups can also get a booster dose.

Where to get the booster vaccine

The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have a booster dose. It’s important not to contact the NHS for one before then.

When you are contacted by the NHS, you will be able to book your booster appointment locally at The Dinwoodie Centre at The Royal Oldham Hospital, a variety of local pharmacies or the Greater Manchester’s regional vaccination centre at the Etihad Campus in east Manchester. Booking will be done via the national booking system or by calling 119.

For clinics dates and times at the Dinwoodie Centre and pharmacy locations, please visit the Oldham Council website here.

COVID-19 booster vaccine and flu vaccine

Most people who can get a COVID-19 booster vaccine are also eligible for the annual flu vaccine.

If you are offered both vaccines, it’s safe to have them at the same time.

Find out more about the flu vaccine

For all available vaccine sites across Oldham and more information, please visit – www.oldham.gov.uk/vaccine.