Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Covid-19 vaccinations working well in Haringey

I am happy to say that the arrangements for vaccination against Covid-19 appear to be well organised and efficient. My GP practice telephoned me on Thursday 14th at 3pm to ask whether I would like to be vaccinated. I agreed at once and agreed that Sunday 17th would be OK for me. Two minutes later a text arrived saying an appointment had been made for 13.45 on Sunday 17th at Lordship Lane Primary Care Centre.

I went there today and found a very well organised set up. I was given a numbered ticket on entry. At least three receptionists were signing people in to a well spaced out waiting area. By 13.45 I was sitting, waiting for my number to be called. Within ten minutes I was in one of the four vaccination rooms. The deed was done and I was asked to wait 15 minutes before leaving (to be sure of no adverse reaction). There were none although my arm is now slightly sore. I was given a card with details of the vaccine and date and I was told that in about six weeks, I would be called by telephone for a second jab.

All the patients arriving were at least 75 (like me) and many were a lot older. Some walked only with difficulty, some came as couples, some needed a carer, some had poor eyesight, some spoke poor English, some were flustered. The great thing about the set up was that it had the space and people to ensure that none of the delays and hesitations that come with this territory, caused the pace of vaccinations to run slow. It had clearly been designed by people who knew exactly how to handle such a diverse bunch of people and the whole thing ran like sensitive clockwork.

In my case, it also relied on a GP practice with up to date records and which made the effort to telephone. The government website talks about receiving a letter and making your own booking online.Perhaps that would work too, but it is good to know that GPs don’t have to rely on snail mail. Knowing that priority was being given to over 80s and then to 75s, I would probably have nudged my GP next week if I had heard nothing. Happy to say that no nudge was needed. I left home at 13.15 and would have been back home by 14.30 if I hadn’t popped into a shop on the way. This a case for congratulations to all those involved.

Tags for Forum Posts: coronavirus, covid, vaccination

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Permalink Reply by Sarah on January 31, 2021 at 12:14

That's good to hear. I just got another holding text from the NHS on Friday!

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Permalink Reply by Michael Anderson on January 31, 2021 at 12:47

My friend was actually saying to me that he hadn’t heard anything about a vaccine appointment when the text pinged on his phone, so fingers crossed Sarah. He was notified about a week after me.

My GP surgery is in Hackney (just over the border near Manor House station) and my friend’s is in Muswell Hill. Both surgeries are in big buildings that can accommodate large numbers attending - wonder if location and/or facilities might be a factor?

By the way, no side effects for me at all, not even a sore arm. My husband felt mildly unwell for about 48 hours afterward (slight headache and tired)

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Permalink Reply by maggie on January 31, 2021 at 18:23

I'm in group 4 and had my letter on Friday. Yay!!!

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Permalink Reply by maggie on February 3, 2021 at 12:20

Just had mine at Lordship Lane and I have to say how well organised it all was. I felt so relieved and privileged to be having the vaccine when so many have yet to have this chance. Tonight I will celebrate with the odd glass wine and toast all the vaccine scientists, the trial volunteers and all the medical and nursing staff for all their amazing work. Thank you to all of them.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah on February 3, 2021 at 12:47

You've just given me an idea. I did Dry January and I've been thinking of continuing through February. Now I think I'll keep it going and have my next drink when I've been vaccinated - whenever that may be! I'm group 6.

I'm marathon training so trying to be healthy anyway...