In order to ensure our patients are vaccinated as quickly as possible we will be sharing data with organisations that can offer vaccinations to our patients. Further details about our data sharing procedure can be seen in our privacy notice Privacy Policy.

The COVID Vaccinations are only available at designated Hubs.  Some of these are Primary Care Network (PCN) Hubs which are groups of GP practices working together to provide specific additional services for all of the patients within that PCN.  The Hubs had to obtain approval from the local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for providing the vaccinations for patients to ensure that the vaccinations could be stored, administered and patients monitored safely.   

The majority of our eligible patients will be vaccinated at central hubs which are bookable online at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/ or by calling 119.   If you are struggling to arrange your vaccination please contact the Surgery for assistance.

To book your COVID-19 vaccination and Boosters:  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ 

The 4th COVID Vaccine Dose

A 4th dose will be available from week commencing 21st March 2022 at central Hubs which should be bookable using the link above.  The 4th dose is only available for over 75 year olds, the immunosuppressed and those in care homes.

Expectant Mothers

Increasing numbers of unvaccinated pregnant women are becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, leading to them being admitted to intensive care.  Babies born to women with COVID-19 are more likely to be premature and need admission to neonatal units.

All pregnant women are strongly recommended to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.  The vaccine gives mother and baby the best available protection against COVID-19.  If they are pregnant, they will be offered the 'booster' vaccine if they are in one of the priority groups vaccinated during Phase 1 of the vaccine programme, AND if at least six months has passed since their second vaccine.  They will only be offered the booster if they are in one of these groups.

If they are planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding, they can find information about the COVID-19 vaccine with frequently asked questions here: https://covid.healthierfuture.org.uk/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility

5-17 year olds

For information regarding the COVID vaccination for age groups 5- 17 year olds, please visit https://covid.healthierfuture.org.uk/  for details on walk in clinics. 

People in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available from the NHS App which you can download from app stores.

When signing up for the app, it may take a few days for your identity to be checked and verified so you can use this service.

If you cannot access the NHS app, and you have had both doses of your vaccine, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel abroad in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 working days ago. It may take 7 working days for the letter to arrive.

GP practices cannot provide you with a letter that shows your COVID-19 vaccination status.

When you're planning your travel, check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is time to get proof of your vaccination status before you leave.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you develop symptoms of coronavirus

If you develop any symptoms of coronavirus, the most common symptoms of which are, a new continuous cough and/or high temperature and/or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, please self-refer yourself for a coronavirus test by going to the following link: https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/antigen/name or by calling 119 (please get a test as soon as possible, but please note you need to get the test done in the first 5 days of having symptoms). 

Please also follow Public Health England’s advice via: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection and go on https://111.nhs.uk/ for urgent advice; if the website suspects you have coronavirus, and you register your mobile number on the site, you will receive daily texts from the NHS. The messages will check how you are and ensure you get the help you need.

If you require urgent advice you can also contact Bridge Cottage Surgery on 01438 715 044. 

COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing

Advice and information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be found by clicking here https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

Accessing Support

If you or a family member are affected by issues surrounding mental health and would like support and/or advice, please contact the surgery to make a telephone appointment with one of our GP's. 

In Hertfordshire, there are a number of self referral services available, which are accessible without needing to see a GP. For further information please click here (https://www.bridgecottagesurgery.nhs.uk/mental-health)

Supporting your recovery after COVID-19

If you are affected by on-going symptoms following a coronavirus infection and would like support and/or advice, please contact the surgery to make a telephone appointment with one of our GP's. 

As you find yourself recovering from COVID-19 you may still be coming to terms with the impact the virus has had on both your body and mind. These changes should get better over time, some may take longer than others, but there are things you can do to help. The website Your COVID Recovery helps you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery and can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/

Covid-19 Rehabilitation Service

Locally we have access to refer patients onto a COVID-19 Rehabilitation Service. For further information please click here (https://www.hct.nhs.uk/our-services/covid-19-rehabilitation-service/). If you would like to be referred onto this Service please fill out Covid-19 rehabilitation service patient questionnaire, which can be found by clicking here (https://www.hct.nhs.uk/media/3987/covid-rehab-screening-form-version-final-030820.docx) and make a telephone appointment with a Clinician at Bridge Cottage Surgery to discuss further. 

Long COVID

For information about the long term effects of COVID, please visit the NHS website.