Frome Medical Practice – latest vaccination advice

FROME Medical Practice continues to roll out the Covid-19 vaccination programme but is also experiencing a high volume of calls from patients keen to know when they can be vaccinated.

As part of the roll out of the local NHS vaccination programme in Somerset, the first patients in Frome were invited to attend a vaccination appointment in December.  Vaccine deliveries continue to be received by the practice and they are vaccinating the most vulnerable patients initially, in line with the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) identified groups; targeting those patients who are over 80, care home residents and staff. 

Practice manager, Karen Creffield said, ““We know that people are eager to find out when their vaccination appointment will be, but we ask that patients do not call us regarding the vaccine, as our team will continue to contact eligible groups to make their appointments for them direct.

“If you are a patient at Frome Medical Practice you will be contacted directly when vaccinations are available for your priority group. If you are a health care professional, your governing body or employer will contact you with arrangements regarding how to receive the vaccine. Please do not call the practice as we are unable to answer individual queries and requests for this category of vaccinations.”

It is known that some patients may have received letters inviting them to attend vaccination appointments at mass vaccination centres, such as the one at Ashton Gate in Bristol. Karen added, “We expect many of our patients would prefer to have their vaccination closer to home and this is something we are working hard to ensure can happen for those patients who would like this.”

The practice is asking that when patients attend their vaccine appointment they wear clothing that makes it easy for the clinician to reach the upper arm, for example a t-shirt but with a warm layer over for when outside. This helps ensure the smooth running of the vaccine clinics. 

In addition to calls about the vaccine, the practice is also receiving queries about patients who are shielding. If you have received a shielding letter from the NHS please visit the practice website or gov.uk for further information. Please note, the practice is unable to provide shielding letters for those that haven’t received them, as the NHS issues these centrally.

The practice recently published a general Covid-19 update, which includes useful links for anyone who is finding things challenging, or is experiencing stress, anxiety or low moods. This includes specific information and support for young people too. See below for the link to this information. 

“We are enormously grateful to everyone for their continued support at this time”, added Karen.

Visit the practice website for their latest updates on coronavirus, which are also shared on social media – www.fromemedicalpractice.co.uk/news