I AM MAINTAINING THIS PAGE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO MY CONSTITUENTS IN ARUNDEL & SOUTH DOWNS.
Please check this page regularly as the information may change frequently. Always defer to the more specific personalised advice that you may receive from your own GP or other healthcare professional.
People vaccinated up to and including 1 March 2021
First dose: 20,478,619 Second dose: 844,098 - (data from https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk)
Sussex has now surpassed half a million vaccinations, a significant milestone reflecting the huge amount of working taking place at GPs, vaccination centres and pharmacies.
** 26 February ** Latest position: Everyone over 60 can book a vaccine appointment using the national booking system. There is capacity available at the large vaccine centres - Chichester (Westgate Leisure Centre), Brighton (The Brighton Centre) , Crawley (Crawley Hospital). Call 119 to book. You can still wait for a GP invitation locally, though this may mean you waiting a little longer in some areas. The major hubs are there to take some of the pressure off the GP-led services so it is recommended you take this offer up if you are able to.
** 19 February ** Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester is now open as the latest Sussex large-scale vaccination site. If you have received an NHS letter inviting you to book through the national booking service they will advise if you can book an appointment at this site. This is really good news for my constituents living in Petworth, Kirdford Arundel and surrounding areas (in a 60-mile radius) and something West Sussex MPs have pressed for.
** 15 February ** I have been asked today if Nursery workers are included in the current vaccination groups because they are listed as social workers. The answer is you are not yet eligible so please do NOT book through the National Booking Service unless specifically invited. NHS England confirm: "We continue to vaccinate people in priority cohorts set by the JCVI, and local authorities are helping to identify eligible social care staff. People who booked in error are rightly asked to wait their turn so we can prioritise those eligible for vaccination, including older residents and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.”
If you are over 70 and you haven’t had an invitation yet, please visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119 for free to book your appointment.
If you are on the shielded patients list and have not yet been contacted to arrange your vaccination, please get in touch with your GP.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
If you are over 70 and for some reason you have not received an invitation yet, please visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination, or call 119 or call your local GP to book your appointment immediately.
The government aim is to vaccinate ALL members of the 1-9 priority groups by the end of April. That includes everyone over the age of 50 and all those between 16 and 64 with certified underlying health conditions and adult carers.
In addition, all those who have already had their first dose will receive a second dose within the 12-week period.
Once again, the programme will proceed by cohort. Over the next few days residents in Priority Group 5 - aged 65-69 - will start to be contacted inviting them to book their vaccination at one of the major vaccination centres. You do not have to accept this and can still wait for a GP invitation locally although this may mean you waiting a little longer. The major hubs are there to take some of the pressure off the GP-led services, so it is recommended you take this offer up if you are able to.
Q. WHO CAN EXPECT TO RECEIVE A VACCINE AT THIS TIME?
Decisions about who gets the vaccine in which order are made by medical and immunology professionals. They are fortunately not a political decision as it would not be right for something as important as this to be made by those with political connections or groups who can mount the most effective lobbying campaign. It is important to me that decisions are made transparently and communicated clearly.
For vaccines, the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI) – an independent body of experts – advises the government on prioritisation. In this case, JCVI has advised an approach that prioritises those in care homes first, then those aged 80 and older and front-line health and social care staff. Beyond these groups, prioritisation is a mix of age (in 5-year intervals) and younger people who are clinically vulnerable.
Vaccine priority groups in phase 1
- Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
- All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
- All those 75 years of age and over
- All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
- All those 65 years of age and over
- All individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
The next sequential groups who are currently expecting to be vaccinated by the 15th April.
7. All those 60 years of age and over.
8. All those 55 years of age and over.
9. All those 50 years of age and over.
The Government has now confirmed that following groups 7-9, the next cohort will be adults aged over 40 years of age.
The current approach prioritises reducing mortality over reducing transmission and therefore targets vaccination at those most likely to die as a result of COVID-19. Because age is the primary predictor of COVID-19 mortality, this means mainly targeting older people. It would be necessary to vaccinate around 32 times more 60–64 year olds than those older than 90 year old to save a life, or six times as many to save one year of life. Front-line health and social care workers and the clinically extremely vulnerable will also be vaccinated. You can find a list of conditions deemed clinically extremely vulnerable here although if this applies you will already have been shielding and should previously have had a letter within the last nine months.
Although the vaccine prioritisation does not take account of profession, ‘need’ or economic activity it is important to note that we all benefit from this approach as the quicker the risk of mortality is reduced, the lower the pressure on our hospitals and the quicker that we can all return to something closer to ‘normal life’.
Q. WHERE IN THE ARUNDEL AND SOUTH DOWNS CONSTITUENCY CAN I GO TO BE VACCINATED?
The primary place where most will have the vaccine administered is via local GP surgeries. Most practices have formed themselves into groups where one surgery -often larger or with more practioners - will act as a vaccination centre or ‘Hub’ for others.
Separate arrangements will be made for those who are housebound or are unable to travel. No one will be forgotten but everyone is asked to be tolerant and patient.
Many people who are eligible for the vaccination are receiving a letter from the national booking service inviting them to go online or call 119 to arrange their vaccination appointment. By following these steps you can book your first and second dose appointments at one of the larger vaccination centres or pharmacy led services. You also have the choice to opt to have your vaccination at your local GP led vaccination service (the service supported by your GP practice). If you would like to have your vaccination in this way, please ignore the letter and you will be contacted by your local GP led vaccination service team. Please be assured you will not be forgotten or moved to the end of a list if you ignore the letter; you remain on the list for your local GP vaccination service and you will be contacted as soon as an appointment is available. There is up to 48 hours for your records to update at your GP if you have a vaccination at a major centre via the national booking service and this may mean you GP contacting you even if you've been for vaccination.
Where I am aware of the latest situation it is in the table below (if you are aware of updates or have personal feedback on your experience please e-mail me).
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Hospital hubs
Worthing Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital, St Richard’s Hospital and East Surrey Hospital (for residents in the north of the county), The Queen Victoria in East Grinstead and Mill View Hospital in Hove are all now live and running clinics.
All registered and eligible health and care workers in Sussex are able to book a vaccination at one of the six hospital-based vaccination sites across the region or major vaccination centres. This applies to:
• All NHS staff from primary (including general practice and general dental practice), community and secondary care
• Staff of independent and third sector health and care providers
• Care and care home staff in public, private and not for profit sectors.
To receive your vaccination, you must present photographic staff ID when you attend along with confirmation of your appointment, which will be provided when you book. All you have to do is visit: https://www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/keepsussexsafe/sussex-covid-19-vaccination-programme/workforcevax/
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Angmering Medical Centre (vaccination hub)
The surgery is running as a Local Vaccination Site (LVS) based at the Angmering Community Centre - Foxwood Avenue Angmering BN16 4FU. The surgery is operating with The Coppice Surgery (Rustington) and the Fitzalan Medical Group (Littlehampton and Wick).
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Arundel Surgery
Arundel sits within the Regis locality of practices. The Regis vaccination hub is at Bognor Health Centre.
Separate arrangements are being made to vaccinate housebound and care home residents.
Innovations in Primary Care (IPC) is running the booking process and will call patients - please do NOT call them or the Arundel Surgery.
The St Nicholas Volunteer Hub is providing transport for residents if required. Call the St Nicholas Parish Office on 01903 882262 and anyone who can provide transport should contact Cllr. Mark Phillips MarkPhillips@arundeltowncouncil.gov.uk.
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Cowfold Medical Group
Patients are currently being invited to a Horsham-based vaccination centre at Blue Coats Sports Centre.
Another 2,400 vaccines were given last week alone (21-Feb), and they are currently calling in over 65's. Another clinic will be running on Friday 26th for those over 65 or with a long-term health condition. Patients should call the surgery after 11am to make an appointment.
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Lime Tree Surgery, Findon
Vaccinations are underway and are being given at the Durrington Health Centre - the PCN’s chosen hub. This includes patients of Lime Tree Surgery.
They are now vaccinating anyone in cohorts 1-6 as shown in the table.
Anyone who wishes to receive the vaccination but has not yet been in can walk in to Durrington Health Centre, between 9am and 5pm on
- Thursday 26th February 2021
- Friday 27th February 2021
If you would like to arrange an appointment for the vaccine to be delivered, please call Lime Tree Surgery on 01903 264101 or email us via our secure online form where we will be able to arrange an appointment for you.
You can also call 0333 370 4111 between 8:30am-12:30pm Monday to Friday to arrange a vaccine appointment at Durrington Health Centre.
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Hassocks Health Centre
Vaccination clinics are in Haywards Heath at Perrymount Hall, Perrymount Road (used to be Claire Hall).
Part of the Burgess Hill & Villages Primary Care Network (PCN) who are working together to organise the mass vaccination programme for the local area delivering 50,000+ vaccinations over the next six months. Linked to Hurstpierpoint Health Centre and Ditchling Health Centre (all part of Mid Sussex Health Care).
Dedicated MSHC Covid-19 Vaccination enquiry number: 01273 837981
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Henfield Medical Centre (vaccination hub)
Part of a PCN (Primary Care Network) with Steyning, Storrington and Billingshurst, with The Glebe selected as the other vaccination site for the PCN.
They are currently inviting all those in priority group 5 (aged 65 - 69) and priority group 6.
"I am delighted for the team at Henfield who I met on Saturday. I know how hard they worked to prove they had the capacity to become vaccination hub". - Andrew
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Hurstpierpoint Health Centre
Vaccinations are taking place in Haywards Heath at Perrymount Hall, Perrymount Road (used to be Claire Hall).
Part of the Burgess Hill & Villages Primary Care Network (PCN) who are working together to organise the mass vaccination programme for the local area delivering 50,000+ vaccinations over the next six months. Linked to Hassocks Health Centre and Ditchling Health Centre (all part of Mid Sussex Health Care).
Dedicated MSHC Covid-19 Vaccination enquiry number: 01273 837981
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Woodlawn Surgery, Partridge Green
Part of a PCN (Primary Care Network) with Steyning, Storrington and Billingshurst, with The Glebe and Henfield Medical Centre selected as vaccination sites for the PCN.
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Petworth Surgery
Vaccinations are taking place at either Pulborough Medical Group or Riverbank Medical Centre.
Andrew Griffith adds: “My understanding is that whilst not in the first wave for Pfizer, the Petworth Practice would absolutely now wish to become a later wave centre for the Oxford Astra Zeneca Vaccine. I fully support them in this and I will keep pressing for this to happen at every layer of decision making within the NHS system.”
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Pulborough Medical Group (vaccination hub)
** 24th February ** Pulborough Medical Group has confirmed they are booking in patients for their second dose of Pfizer vaccine STARTING WITH THOSE PATIENTS VACCINATED 29/12/20 - 1/1/21 ONLY. If you prefer, you can phone to book your second dose appointment, however their Team will be contacting all eligible patients in the next few days.
PMG is joined up with the Riverbank Medical Centre (Midhurst) to deliver its vaccination programme.
"It was a privilege to witness the work of the whole team on Thursday as they worked through their second allocation of the vaccine." - Andrew
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Steyning Medical Practice
Part of a PCN (Primary Care Network) with Henfield, Storrington and Billingshurst, with The Glebe and Henfield Medical Centre selected as vaccination sites for the PCN. Steyning will provide patient lists and Storrington will contact with appointment details - Do NOT call the practice.
For people living in the Steyning & District Area, the Steyning & District Community Partnership have organised a special Vaccine Help Line. Please telephone: 01903 651150 to hear an update on the Vaccine Programme Progress within this area. Should you need assistance with transport, you just need to mention this at the time of booking your appointment, and you will be given a telephone number to ring in order to organise your journey.
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The Croft Practice, Eastergate
Part of a PCN (Regis Primary Care Network). Vaccination clinics are underway and are being offered at Bognor Regis Medical Practice with local practice members of staff in attendance. You will be telephoned by a member of staff from Innovations in Primary Care (IPC) to offer you an appointment. Please do not telephone the practice. Vaccines will be offered initially to over 80’s, with a simultaneous campaign to cover the housebound and residents and staff in care homes.
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The Glebe Surgery – Storrington (vaccination hub)
The Glebe Surgery Storrington is a Wave 1 – Covid-19 vaccination site and has been vaccinating patients registered with The Glebe Surgery, Steyning Medical Centre, Billingshurst Surgery and Henfield Medical Centre since just before Christmas. They have now vaccinated more than 10,000 patients.
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Tangmere Medical Centre (for Eastergate and Westergate)
COVID Vaccination clinics for the Chichester Alliance of Medical Practices (ChAMP), made up of 8 practices being run at Tangmere Village Hall.
The vaccination sites will be staffed by a mixture of local GP Practice staff, hospital staff and members of the public who have volunteered from the local community.
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Upper Beeding Surgery
Linked with Steyning Medical Centre with patients being vaccinated at The Glebe in Storrington or Henfield Medical Centre.
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Loxwood Medical Practice (for Wisborough Green, Kirdford, Adversane)
Loxwood Medical Practice patients will receive their vaccinations at the Pulborough Medical Group clinic. They are inviting anyone on their list aged 70 or over or clinically extremely vulnerable (shielding). Please do NOT call the surgery as patients will be contacted.
Q. HOW DO I FIND MY NHS NUMBER?
You do not need you NHS number in order to be vaccinated by your GP and the letter that you receive from the NHS when invited to use a vaccine centre should have the number on for you. However, if you wish to find out your number you can do so here:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/
Q. WHAT ABOUT VACCINATIONS IN CARE HOMES?
Every care home resident and all care home workers in West Sussex are eligible for and have been offered a vaccine. If you a relative in a care home has not been vaccinated, please contact the NHS or the care home manager.
Q. I DON’T HAVE MY OWN TRANSPORT. HOW CAN I TRAVEL TO A VACCINATION CLINIC?
Community Transport West Sussex are already helping with transport to some vaccination sites and Horsham District Council are in contact with them as they plan for an increase in transport requirements. However, If any residents with a scheduled vaccination appointment need transport to attend, the first point of contact should be their surgery to organise this.
Volunteers with own transport are very welcome to sign up through local surgeries, although we understand Storrington already has too many volunteers!
Q. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE TIME INTERVAL BETWEEN THE TWO DOSES?
No. The decision to delay 2nd injections should not be one to worry about. The MHRA authorisation includes conditions that for the both vaccines, the interval between doses must be a MINIMUM of at least 3 weeks. For both vaccines, data provided to MHRA demonstrate that while efficacy is optimised when a second dose is administered, both offer considerable protection after a single dose, at least in the short term.
Rather than just seek standard lines on this issue, I turned to the very latest research from the University of Oxford, which shows that the vaccine efficacy is actually higher at longer prime-boost intervals, and that a single dose of the vaccine is 76% effective in preventing any symptoms whatsoever up to 90-days post vaccination, as well as crucially 100% effective at preventing hospitalisation. The required second dose will be given after an interval of two to three months, and I am assured the plans to achieve this across West Sussex are rapidly being put in place.
At this stage of the pandemic prioritising the first doses of vaccine for as many people as possible on the priority list will protect the greatest number of at risk people overall in the shortest possible time and will have the greatest impact on reducing mortality, severe disease and hospitalisations and in protecting the NHS. This approach will maximise the number of people getting vaccinated and therefore receiving protection in the next 12 weeks.
Q. WILL I MISS OUT ON A VACCINATION AT MY GP-LED SERVICE IF I TURN DOWN AN INVITATION TO A LARGE VACCINATION CENTRE?
No. The national vaccination booking service provides an additional way to receive the vaccine and you may receive an earlier slot by accepting an invitation to a vaccine centre. However, if you ignore the invitation you will remain on the list for your GP led vaccination service until you have had a vaccination wherever that may take place.
Q. WHERE CAN I FIND THE LATEST DATA ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VACCINATIONS IN ENGLAND?
You can find the latest total stats for England here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/covid-19-vaccinations/
Q. HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER TO HELP?
There are three categories in which help is needed now: trained medical or dental professionals, existing healthcare professionals and medically qualified but retired NHS staff. If you are in these categories please register or indicate your interest here. There may be further opportunities and help needed in time but at the moment these are the priority. I had been very concerned to hear stories that the application process was too complicated and bureaucratic but I am pleased to confirm that the process has now been simplified to on-board as many qualified people as possible. This is because the Trust are now applying a different series of checks for volunteers to the ones used for normal staff recruitment. If you have already applied you will be contacted again to be processed and you do not need to reapply. The Trust has received more than 2,000 offers of support, which is really great news, but more are wanted.
Q. WHO IS ACTUALLY IN CHARGE OF THE ROLL OUT LOCALLY?
The Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust is the lead provider for the vaccination programme in West Sussex and will be responsible for co-ordinating and managing the programme, as well as some of the delivery alongside GPs and other NHS trusts. They operate within policies set by NHS England and the regulations around the vaccine are set by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Q. I HAVE HEARD THAT SOME PEOPLE WHO DO NOT MEET THE PUBLISHED CRITERIA HAVE BEEN VACCINATED - WHO SHOULD I TELL?
It is very important that the government issued guidelines are implemented fairly in a way which maintains public confidence. However, we should all be cautious about hearsay and making judgements when we may not have access to all the relevant information – for example some people who qualify due to being extremely clinically vulnerable may nevertheless appear well to those unaware of their condition.
If you are a healthcare professional and you have any concerns about the use of the vaccination programme you must report the incident to your line manager or if you prefer, utilise the confidential whistleblowing helpline in your Trust before contacting me. If you are a patient who wishes to register concerns please ensure that you know the date, time, location and preferably the name of the person in charge of the vaccination centre. Although you can report matters to any Member of Parliament in the knowledge that they will be treated in confidence, I am unable to follow up ‘general’ concerns as opposed to named specific instances.
!!! COVID VACCINATION SCAM ALERT - WARNING FROM WEST SUSSEX CCG !!!
It is very worrying to hear that scammers are taking advantage of vulnerable people. But by raising awareness of what a scam looks like we can protect people and learn to recognise a genuine call or text message offering the COVID-19 vaccination.
To protect yourself and your family members from fraud and criminals, remember the following points.
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The vaccine is only available on the NHS for free to people in priority groups, and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn. Anyone offering a paid-for vaccine is committing a crime.
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The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and never ask for payment or for your bank details.
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At the moment there are no house calls to deliver or discuss the vaccine. Anyone offering this now is committing a crime.
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.
