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Living With COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 6 October

October 6, 2022

1. COVID testing in periods of low prevalence

Colleagues are reminded that due to the low prevalence of COVID-19 infections in the community, NHS England has paused current routine asymptomatic testing for many patients and staff.

Symptomatic testing will continue for both patients and colleagues, based on the current list of COVID-19 symptoms. Although the main symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, a new and continuous cough, anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste), it is important to remember that COVID-19 can present as a wide range of other symptoms including, for example, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of appetite, myalgia (muscle ache), sore throat, headache, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Note: Testing for clinically vulnerable patients will continue.

Routine asymptomatic testing for colleagues to pause
Colleagues are no longer required to test twice weekly for COVID-19 and are encouraged to test if they feel unwell and if positive, isolate as stated in the revised isolation guidance which you can read on Connect.

There will be lateral flow testing for colleagues working in areas where there is a breakout of COVID-19 and PCR testing will take place if there is continued transmission in an area. The testing hub based in Little Lane car park is now closed.

Click here to access the full information sheet regarding COVID testing in periods of low prevalence.

2. COVID-19 vaccinations now available
It’s important that we stay protected against COVID-19 especially as winter is approaching. Immunity against the virus can wane over time but your booster will offer you ongoing protection.
Please note, the one metre social distancing rule has been relaxed across sites, but we ask you to please exercise caution.
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, you can have your booster 28 days afterwards. You can also still have your flu jab within that period if you feel well.
Vaccinations both for flu and COVID-19 continue at City Hospital for the rest of this week on the first floor corridor (old outpatients) and will be offered as drop-in sessions from 8.30am – 4pm.
A clinic will also be taking place at Rowley on Wednesday 12 October for colleagues, whilst Tipton Vaccination Centre is also offering the vaccination to staff. Colleagues can book appointment slots here.
The COVID-19 vaccine being offered to staff will be a booster dose only of Spikevax bivalent Original/Omicron. You must have had two primary doses of either Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna. Your last vaccine must have been more than 91 days ago and you must be 18 years or over to meet the criteria.

The flu vaccine being offered to staff is cell-based quadrivalent influenza (QIVc).

You will be able to have either or both of the vaccines, administered in two separate injections, on the same day. You will be greeted by a receptionist who will confirm your personal details and ask you a few pre-assessment questions. It would be useful if you could have your NHS and payroll number available, as this will enable you to be found a lot easier on the system. You will then be guided to one of the COVID vaccinators who will do a clinical assessment. If the criteria is met you will then receive your vaccination. If you are having the flu jab you will be guided to the flu vaccination waiting area to wait for 15 minutes. If you are not having flu vaccine you will be free to go straight after your COVID vaccine unless you are driving and then we will ask you to wait 15 minutes. If you have already received either vaccines you can still attend for the other.

Note: If you have your NHS number to hand, please bring it along with you when you have your jab as it will speed up the vaccination process. You can find out your NHS number by clicking here.
Receiving your COVID booster/flu jab elsewhere?
If you receive your COVID booster and/or flu vaccination elsewhere please ensure to have your place of work recorded as Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust on the system at the time of vaccination. This will help keep your occupational health records updated and avoid any further chasing for having the jabs.
If you have any other questions, contact occupational health on 0121 507 3306. Boost your immunity this winter – get your flu jab and COVID-19 booster.

The Connect Coronavirus page is continually being updated with the latest news and guidance regarding the virus, please take the time to read and familiarise yourself with this.