Home visits for people who are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine and considered housebound are beginning to get underway, according to the NHS in Sussex.
It's part of the move to ensure all those in the first priority groups are offered the vaccination by mid-February, and people who are registered housebound with their GP will be contacted soon to organise the visit.
After a spate of recent 'vaccination' scams across Sussex, we're told to expect any contact with a GP to contain your name, address, and NHS number.
The caller will only be contacting you to confirm an appointment, and will not ask for personal details. They will never ask anybody for payment.
If you have a loved one or a neighbour that you know should be expecting a home visit, check whether they have been contacted by the NHS.
When the person arrives to do the vaccination they will either be from a GP service locally or Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and will carry NHS ID, please ask to see it before you let them into your home.
The NHS will:
- NEVER ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine
- NEVER ask for payment or for your bank details
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.
Some people who may be housebound are also receiving a letter from the national booking service inviting them to go online or call the national phone line to book an appointment at one of the vaccination services or pharmacy led services.
We know this is causing some confusion but currently the national system cannot distinguish that someone is housebound and so these letters are being sent to all those who are eligible.
If you are housebound and are not able to attend a local vaccination service or centre, please ignore this letter.
You are on the list with your GP led vaccination service team and they will contact you in the next two weeks - you do not need to call your GP practice or any other team to make an appointment. As soon as an appointment is available you will be contacted directly.
If you would like to know more about the vaccination programme or have a question please visit www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/get-my-jab for the latest information including Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the vaccination programme team on sxccg.vaccineenquiries@nhs.net
Teenager In Custody On Crawley Attempted Murder Charge
Appeal Following Assault In Hastings
Road Closed As Armed Police Attend Incident In Worthing
Lewes District Council Placed In Planning Special Measures
‘Life-Changing’ Medication For Asthma Patients Now Available In Sussex
Arms Factory Demonstrator Disrupts Brighton & Hove Council Meeting
Patients Forced Into 'Pharmacy Bingo' - As Survey Says Medicine Shortages 'Beyond Critical'
Appeal for information After Man Dies In Hastings Collision
Wealden To Hold National Dementia Action Week This Month
Brighton Food Festival To Be Charged For Mud Bath