COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccine: Helpline and FAQs
We understand lots of residents have questions or concerns about the vaccines, how the roll out programme is taking place in North Tyneside, and the practicalities of getting vaccinated.
In our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section we aim to we answer common vaccine queries and provide up to date information and resources. For more complex issues relating to vaccination services in North Tyneside, we have launched a new vaccine helpline and email support service.
Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccination programme is currently available to people aged 5 and above across the UK.
Currently the 2023 seasonal spring booster campaign has begun in North Tyneside – this will be offered to those most at risk of severe illness including all adults aged 75+, those in care homes, and those aged 5 years and over with a weakened immune system. Please note, the spring booster campaign is being offered in a phased approach so not all groups listed below are eligible to book their spring booster just yet.
| Age and Other Risk Factors | Doses |
|---|---|
| 75 years or over | 1st, 2nd, booster, autumn 2022 booster & spring 2023 booster = 5 doses |
| 50 – 74 years* | 1st, 2nd, booster & autumn 2022 booster = 4 doses |
| 16 – 49 years | 1st, 2nd and booster = 3 doses |
| 12 – 49 years who are at high risk from COVID-19 | 1st, 2nd, booster & autumn 2022 booster = 4 doses |
| 12 years or over with a weakened immune system | 1st, 2nd, 3rd, booster, autumn 2022 booster & spring 2023 booster = 6 doses |
| 5 – 15 years^ | 1st and 2nd doses = 2 doses |
| 5 – 11 years who are at high risk from COVID-19 or who have a weakened immune system | 1st, 2nd doses, autumn 2022 booster, spring 2023 booster = 3 doses |
If you haven’t had any or all of the COVID-19 vaccinations you’re entitled to, you can book your appointments online through the NHS website or use the walk in clinic search function by clicking the links below. Advance booking is advised, where possible.
^Children who turned 5 on or after 1 September 2022 can only get a 1st and 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they’re either: at high risk from COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system.
Living with COVID-19
Legal requirements to self isolate if you have COVID-19 have now ended. If you feel unwell or have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, the public health advice is to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
Universal free COVID-19 testing is no longer available to most people in England. You may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests if you work for the NHS or in social care, are going into hospital, or you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
Enhanced infection control measures – including mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing – remain in place throughout all GP practices and other healthcare settings to help protect staff, patients and visitors.
- Read the full details
NHS Coronavirus Information
COVID-19 has been the single greatest public health emergency in the history of the NHS.
It’s important we all do our bit to support our healthcare system and our own communities.
For the latest up-to-date medical advice about Covid-19 and more please visit the NHS website.
- Read the latest guidance
Long COVID Support
For some people, COVID-19 can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome or “Long COVID”.
Long COVID is very new and not much is known about it, which can make it hard for people to get care when they need it and for healthcare professionals to know how best to help people.
At TyneHealth we’ve put together an online resource with information, support and advice for those experiencing Long COVID and are asking people to get on board with the hashtag #MyLongCovid on social media.
- MyLongCovid
Access to GP Services During COVID-19
If you need to contact a GP, we ask you to do one of the following first:
- Visit the GP surgery website
- Use an online service such as the NHS App to contact your GP
- Phone your GP surgery
Your GP surgery will then give you advice about what to do.
A phone or video call with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional may be booked for you. You’ll be asked to visit the surgery for a face to face appointment and assessment if that is needed.
You can find contact information about all of the North Tyneside GP Practices here.
NHS COVID Pass / Vaccine Status Certification
Please note: GP practices CANNOT provide you with an NHS COVID Pass (vaccine status certification.)
- You can access your NHS COVID Pass through the free NHS App on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Proof of your COVID-19 status will be shown within the NHS App.
- You need to be registered with a GP in England to use the NHS App. If you’re not registered with a GP, you can still access the NHS COVID Pass via the NHS website (NHS.UK) or via 119 (select the ‘NHS COVID Pass service’) to request a letter.
For details on how to download and use the NHS App with a smartphone or tablet visit the NHS website here.
For details on COVID-19 Status and why you might need it visit the UK Government website here.
COVID-19 Testing
The current testing programme has largely ended in England. Universal free COVID-19 testing is no longer available to most people in the UK. The government will still provide free testing for limited groups most at risk from COVID-19 whilst other groups will be able to purchase COVID-19 tests privately. Details below.
PCR tests are no longer routinely available in England. Some limited groups of people may still be able access free lateral testing this includes:
- Those eligible for new COVID-19 treatments
- Those who visit someone who is at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
- Those who work, volunteer, or visit somewhere that’s high risk – this includes hospitals, care homes, prisons and SEND schools.
We have been capturing these moments to tell North Tyneside’s Vaccine Story – a moving digital record of the biggest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS.
From volunteers to medics, nurses, residents and more we have been sharing their stories on social media with the hashtag #MyVaccineStoryNT.
We will keep building and adding to this record as more stories come in and more people share their experiences with us.
Philip Horsfield
Philip Horsfield, The Village Green Surgery
Dr Kathryn Hildreth
GP and clinical supervisor
Dr Susannah Thompson
Medical Director of TyneHealth
Sean Dixon
Team Leader for North Tyneside Council at The Parks.
Barbara Lancaster
Barbara’s dose of the vaccine was the 100,000th administered locally.
Barbara Vickers
Volunteer Steward at the Wallsend Vaccination Service.
Betty, Ross and Debbie
Betty and Ross are residents at Eastbourne House. Debbie is the manager.
Robin and Lily Shek
Grandparents Robin and Lily received their vaccine in February.
Dr Dave Tomson
GP and Clinical Director of North Shields Primary Care Network.
Philip Horsfield
Philip Horsfield, The Village Green Surgery
Dr Kathryn Hildreth
GP and clinical supervisor
Dr Susannah Thompson
Medical Director of TyneHealth
Sean Dixon
Team Leader for North Tyneside Council at The Parks.
Barbara Lancaster
Barbara’s dose of the vaccine was the 100,000th administered locally.
Barbara Vickers
Volunteer Steward at the Wallsend Vaccination Service.
Betty, Ross and Debbie
Betty and Ross are residents at Eastbourne House. Debbie is the manager.
Robin and Lily Shek
Grandparents Robin and Lily received their vaccine in February.
Dr Dave Tomson
GP and Clinical Director of North Shields Primary Care Network.
Providing NHS Services
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