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he coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine helps to make us all safer. It has been proved safe and effective by independent experts, and gives you the best protection against coronavirus.
Who can currently get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.
At this time, the vaccine is being offered to:
Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
All those 75 years of age and over
All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on the government’s priority list
Wait to be contacted
The NHS will get in touch with you directly when it is your turn to be vaccinated. Please don’t contact your doctor or the NHS asking about vaccination; this is not a service that you are able to book in advance. The NHS will contact you when your turn comes in the months ahead. If you are contacted, please do attend the appointment.
In the meantime, it is vitally important that we all continue to follow the national public health guidance: wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and maintain safe social distancing. COVID-19 is still very much among us and highly infectious: the risk of catching it is the same as ever for people who have not been vaccinated.
There is more information about the COVID 19 vaccine on both the Government and the NHS websites, so please take time to click on these links and read through these pages if you want to find out more. You can also read the COVID vaccination guide for adults leaflet
We will keep you updated as plans for the vaccine programme progress in Brent.
Wembley NHS COVID Vaccination Centre
Appointments for the Wembley large vaccination site are by appointment only. You will only be able to book an appointment when you receive a letter from the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service. You will not be able to book an appointment until you receive your invite letter.
This letter will provide all the details you need to book a vaccination at a centre within 45 minutes of your home address. Please do not turn up at a vaccination site without an appointment, you will not be vaccinated.
You will be sent a letter from NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service when it is your turn to book in for your vaccination. Letters will initially go to people aged 80 and over who live in reasonable travelling distance of the locations that are open, and who haven’t already been vaccinated through other NHS vaccination services.
Please do not contact the council regarding bookings. All appointments are handled by the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service.
Directions for getting the Vaccination Centre, instructions for arrival and information about car parking, please visit the NHS North West London website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. The NHS only offers Covid-19 vaccinations to the public once independent experts have signed off that it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator, has said that both vaccines have good safety profiles and offer a high level of protection. The NHS says they have full confidence in the MHRA’s expert judgement and processes.
Could the vaccine be less effective for black people and other minority groups?
No, there is not any evidence that either of the vaccines will work differently among different ethnic groups. Around 10% of the Pfizer and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine trial participants were Black or African.
Can Muslims have the vaccine under Islamic law?
Yes, after discussion with experts, the British Islamic Medical Association encourages individuals to take the COVID vaccine as advised by their medical practitioner.
Does the vaccine include pork, gelatine or other animal products?
No, there is no material of animal origin in either vaccine. All ingredients are published in healthcare information on the MHRA’s website.
For detailed answers to all questions about the COVID vaccine, including how housebound residents will be vaccinated and when second doses will be given, please visit the NHS North West London website
Video: Getting the COVID Vaccine in Brent
Frontline care manager Yvonne Olasunkanmi explains what it was like to get the vaccine, why getting it was so important to her and encourages other Black, Asian and minority ethnic residents across the borough to get the vaccine when they are invited.
Video: Why the COVID Vaccine is safe and effective for everyone
Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities have been among the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Deputy Director of Public Health Dr John Licorish has recorded an important message for resident
WATCH Dr John Licorish's message for residents
If you have any questions about the NHS COVID Vaccination Programme, please speak to a trusted person, such as your GP, or visit the NHS website
You can also watch this webinar
Staying safe
COVID-19 vaccine will always be free in the UK and delivered by the NHS. Patients will be sent a letter by the NHS call/recall service informing them of their eligibility, and receive a call from Primary Care Networks, offering the choice of booking at a GP-led vaccination centre or using the national booking service.
Remember, the vaccine is free of charge:
The NHS will never ask you for your bank account, card details, PIN or banking password.
The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad when on the phone
The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
Who can currently get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.
At this time, the vaccine is being offered to:
Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
All those 75 years of age and over
All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on the government’s priority list
Wait to be contacted
The NHS will get in touch with you directly when it is your turn to be vaccinated. Please don’t contact your doctor or the NHS asking about vaccination; this is not a service that you are able to book in advance. The NHS will contact you when your turn comes in the months ahead. If you are contacted, please do attend the appointment.
In the meantime, it is vitally important that we all continue to follow the national public health guidance: wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and maintain safe social distancing. COVID-19 is still very much among us and highly infectious: the risk of catching it is the same as ever for people who have not been vaccinated.
There is more information about the COVID 19 vaccine on both the Government and the NHS websites, so please take time to click on these links and read through these pages if you want to find out more. You can also read the COVID vaccination guide for adults leaflet
We will keep you updated as plans for the vaccine programme progress in Brent.
Wembley NHS COVID Vaccination Centre
Appointments for the Wembley large vaccination site are by appointment only. You will only be able to book an appointment when you receive a letter from the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service. You will not be able to book an appointment until you receive your invite letter.
This letter will provide all the details you need to book a vaccination at a centre within 45 minutes of your home address. Please do not turn up at a vaccination site without an appointment, you will not be vaccinated.
You will be sent a letter from NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service when it is your turn to book in for your vaccination. Letters will initially go to people aged 80 and over who live in reasonable travelling distance of the locations that are open, and who haven’t already been vaccinated through other NHS vaccination services.
Please do not contact the council regarding bookings. All appointments are handled by the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service.
Directions for getting the Vaccination Centre, instructions for arrival and information about car parking, please visit the NHS North West London website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. The NHS only offers Covid-19 vaccinations to the public once independent experts have signed off that it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator, has said that both vaccines have good safety profiles and offer a high level of protection. The NHS says they have full confidence in the MHRA’s expert judgement and processes.
Could the vaccine be less effective for black people and other minority groups?
No, there is not any evidence that either of the vaccines will work differently among different ethnic groups. Around 10% of the Pfizer and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine trial participants were Black or African.
Can Muslims have the vaccine under Islamic law?
Yes, after discussion with experts, the British Islamic Medical Association encourages individuals to take the COVID vaccine as advised by their medical practitioner.
Does the vaccine include pork, gelatine or other animal products?
No, there is no material of animal origin in either vaccine. All ingredients are published in healthcare information on the MHRA’s website.
For detailed answers to all questions about the COVID vaccine, including how housebound residents will be vaccinated and when second doses will be given, please visit the NHS North West London website
Video: Getting the COVID Vaccine in Brent
Frontline care manager Yvonne Olasunkanmi explains what it was like to get the vaccine, why getting it was so important to her and encourages other Black, Asian and minority ethnic residents across the borough to get the vaccine when they are invited.
Video: Why the COVID Vaccine is safe and effective for everyone
Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities have been among the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Deputy Director of Public Health Dr John Licorish has recorded an important message for resident
WATCH Dr John Licorish's message for residents
If you have any questions about the NHS COVID Vaccination Programme, please speak to a trusted person, such as your GP, or visit the NHS website
You can also watch this webinar
Staying safe
COVID-19 vaccine will always be free in the UK and delivered by the NHS. Patients will be sent a letter by the NHS call/recall service informing them of their eligibility, and receive a call from Primary Care Networks, offering the choice of booking at a GP-led vaccination centre or using the national booking service.
Remember, the vaccine is free of charge:
The NHS will never ask you for your bank account, card details, PIN or banking password.
The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad when on the phone
The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
Diabetes isn’t an uncommon illness, but it can be serious and result in your having to change your lifestyle. There are two different kinds of diabetes, and the main difference between them is that type 1 is genetic, whereas type 2 diabetes can be down to your lifestyle and will develop over time, rather than showing up in an earlier stage of your life. It is important to know what the symptoms of diabetes are so that you can address the problem sooner rather than later, so below are some of the key things to look out for and when you should see a doctor. What are the Symptoms? If you want to know how to tell if you have diabetes, these are common indicators that you might have developed this problem. The need to urinate frequently, or feeling thirsty and/or hungry a lot. You might also notice that you experience extreme fatigue, weight loss, tingling sensation, or pain in your hands and feet. Cuts and bruises might also take longer to heal than they have done in the past. Some people might also experience blurred vision or find that they are getting thrush in the genital area repeatedly. You may want to refer to a self help service to check symptoms if you are concerned. What Should You Do? If you are concerned that you have diabetes, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your doctor. They can arrange a blood test to check your blood sugar levels, as this can be a great indicator of whether or not you have diabetes and can be one of the first warning signs. High blood sugar can be treated with lifestyle changes, and you may need to take insulin at times too. Your doctor can talk you through how to manage your diabetes more effectively, or look at NHS GP for more information. They may even refer you to specialist centers for disease control for further support and guidance. Who is at a Higher Risk? If you do have a history of type 1 diabetes in your family, then you are more likely to develop this condition, too. However, for type 2 diabetes, those at a higher risk include people who have a diet that is high in fats and sugars and are overweight. Your risk also increases the older you get, with a lot of people developing this when they are over 40. This is why it is important to monitor high levels of blood sugar and get this tested if you are concerned. Lifestyle Changes for Diabetics If you do have type 2 diabetes, there are some things you can do at home to help this. The first step is to look at moving to a healthier lifestyle and eating a more balanced diet with reduced sugar. Remember to be careful with carbs, too, as these can turn into sugar in your body. You might also want to think about getting more exercise to help you lose weight which can be beneficial. If you are worried about whether or not you have developed diabetes, contact your doctor as soon as possible to take the necessary tests.
What is PTSD? Learn about the symptoms of PTSD and what to do if you think you or a loved one has this psychiatric disorder. PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, is a psychiatric disorder that occurs after a traumatic event or prolonged trauma over time. Historically, it became known as “shell shock”, which many soldiers experienced after combat in the world wars. However, any kind of trauma can lead to this disorder, such as: Accidents Assault Abuse Illness or injury (either yourself or a loved one) The death of a loved one Going through these experiences does not being you will definitely experience PTSD. A traumatic event or prolonged trauma might trigger the disorder in one person and not another, and it has not been determined exactly why. One suggestion is that those suffering from PTSD have high-stress hormone levels, though this isn’t always the case. If you think you or a loved one might have PTSD, it’s crucial to understand the symptoms and seek medical help to process the memories and reduce symptoms over time. Below are the most common symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder PTSD. Flashbacks of Trauma After experiencing a traumatic event, many people feel sad, scared, and anxious, and these symptoms tend to improve naturally over a few weeks. In people with PTSD, these symptoms last far longer and can produce one of the most common symptoms associated with post traumatic stress disorder: flashbacks. Flashbacks make a person with PTSD experience the traumatic event over and over again in their mind. Often, the flashback is very vivid and causes high levels of panic and anxiety, and can even become debilitating in severe cases. Frequent Nightmares People with PTSD usually experience frequent nightmares, often of the traumatic event or events that they have been through. These nightmares cause elevated stress levels and can lead to further issues, like sleeping difficulties and insomnia. Extreme Anxiety Anxiety is a symptom of multiple mental health issues, including PTSD. After experiencing trauma, a person with PTSD will often feel extreme anxiety in their day-to-day life. They Avoidance It is common for people living with PTSD to avoid anything associated with the traumatic event they experienced, which often includes people, places or activities. It is common for sufferers to even withdraw from their friends and family. Over time, this can make their symptoms even worse as they continue to isolate themselves. Intrusive Thoughts Intrusive thoughts involve upsetting and confusing thoughts that those with PTSD wish would disappear. Typically, these thoughts lead to feelings of guilt and upset. Without treatment, these intrusive thoughts are difficult to manage and might worsen over time in some cases. Irritability or Anger Many people with PTSD become irritable or angry, which can lead to reckless behaviour. This behaviour might cause them to damage their relationships. Extreme anger may also be a sign of complex PTSD, which is caused by long-term trauma rather than a single event. PTSD in Children Children can get PTSD just like adults. The symptoms may look different, though. If you suspect your child has PTSD, here are the signs to look out for: Reliving the traumatic event Angry outbursts Nightmares Fear and/or sadness Seek Help for PTSD When experiencing symptoms like this, it’s important to see mental health specialists in order to determine the cause. Then, these mental health professionals can provide appropriate treatment to help the patient manage and improve their symptoms over time, whether through therapy or medication, or a combination of both. If you think you or your loved one is experiencing PTSD, book an appointment with your NHS GP as soon as possible. Help is available, and nobody has to carry on suffering with their symptoms.
Student life can be rough. If you feel as though your mental health is beginning to suffer as a result, here are some tips that may be able to help.