NHS Kent and Medway CCG - Community Bulletin

Coronavirus testing

There has been a lot about Coronavirus testing in the media recently. Testing is still available, but you should only book if you have Coronavirus symptoms.

That’s any one of:

A high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. The symptoms apply to adults and children.

If you have other symptoms - such as a runny nose or a sore throat - please treat these as you would have before the pandemic.

If you have Coronavirus symptoms, tests can be booked at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. If you are only offered options outside Kent and Medway it is best to wait and try again later. New slots get released throughout the day.

Please do not call 111 to book a test and do not go to a hospital or other health service to try to get tested. If you have Coronavirus symptoms it is very important that you and other members of your household stay at home.

If you are attending hospital for a planned operation, your hospital will be in touch to arrange a test shortly before your procedure.

Kent County Council Coronavirus service update

Kent County Council is able to provide short term assistance to households facing financial hardship as a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

If you or someone you know has suffered financially from Coronavirus, then Kent County Council may be eligible to apply for support with:

• Supermarket vouchers

• Pre-paid energy and clothing vouchers for school uniform (non-branded)

• Household items required to meet a basic need if there are no other means of assistance available

For details on how to apply, visit the KCC website

How to get your Flu vaccine

With Autumn approaching, it is important to get vaccinated against Flu. 

The flu vaccine is given to people who:

• Are 65 and over (born on or before 31st March 1956)

• Have certain health conditions

• Are pregnant

• Are in a long-stay residential care

• Receive a carer's allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick

• Live with someone who's at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)

• Frontline health or social care workers

New guidance says that if you're aged 50 to 64 and have a health condition that means you're more at risk from Flu, you should get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Other 50 to 64-year-olds should be contacted about a flu vaccine later in the year.

For more information visit the NHS website

Read the full bulletin at https://bit.ly/3cvvh92

NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group