Pop-up clinic for pop-in jabs at Fareham

Plus advice on how people can help themselves and others, and thereby reduce the pressures on the NHS

COVID-19 vaccinations – whether first, second or booster – will be available at Fareham Fire Station on Thursday, February 3, between 1 and 8pm.

The session is one of a series being organised across southern Hampshire by Solent NHS Trust and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.

The Pfizer vaccine will be available for:

• first and second (after 12 weeks of the first dose) vaccinations for young people aged 12-15, as well as 16 and 17-year-olds.
• first and second (after 8 weeks of the first dose) vaccinations for people aged 18 and over.
• booster vaccinations to people over the age of 16 (3 months after second vaccination).

If anyone from Gosport or Fareham does not want to wait until February 1, and can travel further afield, pop-up vaccination clinics are also scheduled at:

• Havant Fire Station on Monday, January 24, 1-8pm
• Cosham Fire Station on Thursday, January 27, 1-8pm
• Cowes Fire Station on the Isle of Wight on Friday, January 28, 10am-5pm
• Waterlooville Fire Station on Tuesday, February 1, 1-8pm.

Hampshire Fire Service’s Assistant Chief Officer Stew Adamson said: “Our fire stations play an important role in the lives of the communities we serve, so we are more than happy to be able to help Solent NHS Trust again by opening our doors to the public.

“The stations will remain fully operational throughout and this is a great opportunity for people who live nearby to take up the offer of a first, second or booster jab.”

The Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group has information on its website about other Covid-19 vaccination clinics some of which are walk-in facilities.

GP and Clinical Lead for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Dr Matt Nisbet said: “A range of walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics are being held across Hampshire and Isle of Wight in the coming days and appointments continue to be added to the National Booking Service.

“The offer is not time-limited so anyone invited can have the vaccine – even if they have previously declined and changed their mind.”

Further information about Covid-19 vaccinations including side effects is available HERE.

Public’s help requested

Meanwhile, the CCG is also asking people to be aware of the current pressure on all NHS services and, when possible, to take action themselves.

Despite the challenges facing health and care teams, the Chief Medical Officer for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, Derek Sandeman said: “As always, the NHS remains here for you when you need it.

“We know it can be frustrating and worrying when trying to make an appointment, or if you are waiting for a call back, when things are busy. But please be patient and be kind and respectful to our staff.”

However, he added: “We are again asking for people to help us to help them, and there are a number of simple tips we invite people to follow, including ways to get the most appropriate service for their needs.”

Simple ways to help the NHS

The CCG’s suggestions for how people can take action themselves include:

• Hospital Emergency Departments (ED) are for emergencies and, if you or someone you know needs urgent care but it is not a life-threatening emergency, contact 111 first
• Urgent treatment centres are best for minor injuries
• Pharmacists are highly qualified experts who can help
• Your GP practice has online access and a range of expert help.
• Other things people can do – keeping some everyday medicines and painkillers in a safe place at home can be really useful for dealing with minor bugs and illnesses like colds, stomach upsets and the occasional hangover. There is more advice HERE for the conditions you can manage at home.

The NHS has other online resources to help people check symptoms and get advice – try www.nhs.uk for health and medicines advice and, if you are concerned about an unwell child, Healthier Together.

Image (top): Booster vaccination poster. UK Government