Camden Council COVID-19 weekly update [6 May 2021]

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Coronavirus: Weekly update from Camden Council This week’s update focuses on the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Camden. Here, Dr Ammara Hughes from Bloomsbury Surgery shares her story around delivering COVID-19 vaccinations.

For the latest information and support from Camden Council and its partners: • Visit camden.gov.uk/coronavirus • Check the news pages at news.camden.gov.uk • Follow Twitter @CamdenCouncil and Facebook facebook.com/LBCamden • Speak to someone at the Council directly at 020 7974 4444 (option 9).

SIGN UP to the Council’s coronavirus enewsletter at camden.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Camden

Four months ago, my practice, part of Central Camden Primary Care Network, became the first COVID-19 vaccination hub to go live in the borough. It’s been emotional seeing patients we hadn’t seen face-to-face for so long. The most basic of things, such as holding a person’s hand during a consultation, is no longer something we take for granted. Tears of joy from so many who left home for the first time since the pandemic began to get the vaccine. Filled with excitement to see their families again. We also worked with local frontline colleagues to get them vaccinated and protected as soon as possible while we battled a second wave.

There are 15 vaccination sites in Camden run by our local NHS and GP surgeries. These include large sites such as the Royal Free Hospital Recreation Club and the Francis Crick Institute, and local NHS services like GP surgeries. Wherever you choose to go, extra precautions are in place to keep you safe – like extra handwashing, extra cleaning and social distancing in waiting areas. People currently eligible include: • Everyone aged 40 and over by 1 July 2021 • People at risk or high risk from coronavirus (clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable) • Health and social care workers, including care home workers

The community support has been overwhelming, both with people coming forward to take the vaccine, and to volunteer in our hubs. As we emerge from lockdown, we need to maintain this community spirit and vaccine positivity in Camden. I’ve been vaccinated and I feel great relief that I’m protected against the virus. Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic, so please have it when it’s your turn. In the meantime, local GP surgeries in Camden remain open to all residents as usual and are being run in a COVID-secure way, so please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your GP if you need to.

COVID-19 vaccine facts • The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and gives the best protection against the virus. • The vaccine is free from animal products.

• People who have a learning disability • The main carer for someone at high risk from coronavirus To check if you’re eligible or book an appointment, call 119 for free, visit nhs.uk/ coronavirusvaccine or scan this QR code. If you’d prefer to have the vaccine at a local GP surgery, then wait for the NHS to contact you via letter, phone call or text message.

• If you’re observing Ramadan, it’s permissible to have the vaccine because it doesn’t invalidate the fast. If you experience side effects, the general principles regarding illness and fasting apply. Learn more at britishima.org Thank you to everyone involved in Camden’s COVID-19 vaccine • There is no evidence the vaccine affects male or female fertility. rollout, including local NHS • If you’re a wheelchair your GP can book wheelchair-accessible partners,user, GP surgeries, voluntary transport to take youorganisations to and from your appointment. sector and vaccination faith To find out more, communities. visit camden.gov.uk/covid19vaccine – includes information in other languages including British Sign Language.

Why we’ve had the COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 community vaccination bus

Luthfur Rahman is the Executive Member of Kentish Town Baitul Aman Mosque. He says: “It’s very important as a Muslim, and for everyone, to have the vaccine to protect yourself. Go for it!”

Last week, Camden Council launched a COVID-19 community vaccination bus – a free service for anyone currently eligible for the vaccine. The bus was launched on Regent’s Park Estate in collaboration with UCLH (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) and other local partners, including West Euston Partnership and St Mary Magdalene Church. The

HANDS

FACE

Edith Mansfield is a Care Home Manager in Camden. She says: “I changed my mind about the vaccine and I feel so proud that I had it, and have encouraged others to do the same.”

SPACE

TEST

2m To book a free test, visit camden.gov.uk/rapidtest

camden.gov.uk/coronavirus

020 7974 4444 (option 9)

Thank you

bus will visit other locations in the weeks ahead, but if you’re eligible now, please book an appointment at another vaccination site.

Thank you to everyone involved in Camden’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, including local NHS partners, GP surgeries, voluntary sector organisations and faith communities.


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