COVID-19 in Lewisham - 19 August update

Getting the COVID-19 vaccination offers the best protection from getting seriously ill with COVID-19. The number of people with COVID-19 in Lewisham is still rising and, right now, it is higher than the average London rate.

You can still catch the virus and whilst you might not be unwell, you can spread it to others, so it is really important to test and self-isolate if the result is positive. Get yourself a pack of rapid tests, so you can get in the habit of checking regularly.

This week, some of the rules around self-isolation following close contact with a case of COVID-19 have changed.

You still need to self-isolate following close contact of a case of COVID-19 if:

• You’re not fully vaccinated and you’re identified as a close contact by NHS Test and Trace. You’ll need to self-isolate for ten days and get a PCR test.
• You have COVID-19 symptoms and you’re waiting for test results or you’ve tested positive. You’ll need to self-isolate for ten days.

You’ll need to get a PCR test following close contact of a case of COVID-19 if:

• You’re fully vaccinated and you are identified as a close contact by NHS Test and Trace. You’re considered fully vaccinated 14 days after your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.
• You’re 18 or under and you are identified as a close contact by NHS Test and Trace. 

Trying for a baby?

If you are pregnant or trying for a baby, you should get the COVID-19 vaccine which gives you the best protection against the virus. There is no reason to delay getting the vaccine, if you’re pregnant, newly pregnant or just had a positive pregnancy test. In the UK, over 55,000 pregnant women have so far received at least one vaccine dose without any safety concerns.

It’s common to receive vaccines in pregnancy and as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, you’ll also be offered the whooping cough and flu vaccines. Remember that the vaccine cannot cross your placenta to reach your baby, but the antibodies your body will make to defend against COVID-19 infection will likely give your baby some protection after they’re born.

Is it safe to get the vaccine if I’m trying to get pregnant?

Yes, it is safe and there is growing evidence to prove that the COVID-19 vaccination does not impact fertility. Dr Viki Male, reproductive immunologist at Imperial College London has shared the results of clinical trials on the UK-approved vaccines, which shows that pregnancies occurred equally in the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Take a look at her informative and reassuring video. 

Does the vaccine affect fertility in men?

Studies have looked at sperm count before and after vaccination and it is clear the vaccination doesn’t affect the quality of your sperm. We do know that catching COVID-19 reduces sperm count in about 25% of people, so if you are thinking about your fertility, you might want to prioritise getting the vaccination. Take a look at Dr Viki Male’s COVID-19 vaccine video.

Is it safe to get the vaccine if I’m having fertility treatment?

Yes, you can get the vaccine at any time while you’re having treatment. The British Fertility Society has produced a useful guide for those undergoing fertility treatment.

Is it safe to get the vaccine if I’m breastfeeding?

Yes, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives recommend the vaccine to people who are breastfeeding. Vaccines won’t get into your milk, but the antibodies your body makes will likely give your baby some protection against COVID-19.

Get a free gym pass with your jab

Are you aged 16-30? Get your COVID-19 jab and you can claim a £10 voucher to be used against membership of one of Lewisham’s leisure centres or gyms and a free three-day pass to any leisure centre or gym – Forest Hill Pool, Glass Mill Leisure Centre or Wavelengths Leisure Centre. Find out how to claim on Better’s website.

Everyone aged 16 or older can now get the COVID-19 vaccination – there are several walk-in clinics running this weekend.

• Pfizer vaccine will be offered at Lewisham Hospital’s walk-in clinic on Saturday 21^st August, 8am – 4pm; Sunday 22^nd August 8am – 2pm.
• Come along to a pop-up vaccination clinic at Bellingham Green (near the play park). Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines will be offered. Everyone 16 or older can walk-in from 9am – 12pm.
• Our vaccine bus will be at Bell Green Sainsbury’s in Sydenham on Saturday. Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines will be offered. Everyone 16 or older can walk-in from 10am.
• Evening and weekend walk-in clinics are running at pharmacies across the borough - in New Cross, Catford, Chinbrook, Lewisham, Deptford, Downham, Sydenham and Lee. No need to book – check times and which vaccine is offered here.