COVID-19 in Lewisham - 5 March update
We know that anyone working outside of the home, out in the community or coming into contact with customers are more at risk of COVID-19. That’s why getting tested twice a week is so important to help identify those without symptoms who may have COVID-19 and will be spreading it without realising.
Rapid tests are quick and easy. Households with primary, secondary and college-age children and young people including childcare and support bubbles, will now be offered these quick turnaround tests which can be done in the workplace, at rapid test centres and through a new home ordering service. Find out more about rapid lateral flow home test kits on the Government’s website.
Let’s keep up the good work that has helped bring down the infection rate. It’s really important to remember that everyone in Lewisham must continue to follow the national stay at home restrictions for now.
Half a million receive vaccination in South East London
Over 500,000 people in South East London have now received the COVID-19 vaccination with many more due to be invited soon.
People aged 60 or over, frontline health or social care workers, and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable can now book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment on the NHS website, or by calling 119, free of charge.
The COVID-19 vaccine gives you the best protection from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives. When you’re invited for a vaccination, make sure you attend your booked appointments.
We’ll be continuing to support community conversations about the COVID-19 vaccination. I want to ensure that residents have an opportunity to have their questions addressed. Find more information on webinars and information sessions in the coming weeks on the COVID-19 vaccination for our Black African and Black Caribbean communities.
COVID-19 and pregnancy
As the vaccination roll out continues at pace, I know some pregnant and breastfeeding women have some concerns and would like to understand their options. I wanted to take some time to help answer some frequently asked questions on COVID-19 and pregnancy.
A number of expert organisations have produced some helpful COVID-19 vaccination guidance for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. I have summarised a key points from this guidance here:
- The vaccination is not thought to be a risk to infants who are breastfed, and – in line with recommendations from the World Health Organisation - it has been recommended that the vaccine can be received whilst breastfeeding.
- Until more research is available, those who are pregnant are not routinely being offered COVID-19 vaccination. There’s no evidence that the vaccination is unsafe if you’re pregnant, but more evidence is needed before it can be routinely offered.
- At the moment, the COVID-19 vaccination is only offered to two groups of pregnant women – those with high-risk medical conditions (clinically extremely vulnerable) who are at greater risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, or health and social care workers who are at a higher risk of catching COVID-19. If you’re pregnant and you have been offered the vaccination, you may be happy to get the vaccination or would prefer to discuss this with your GP or practice nurse.
- If you are offered the COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy, feel confident in knowing there is no risk of catching the virus from the vaccination itself. It does not contain live coronavirus or any ingredients that are harmful to pregnant women or their babies. Although clinical trials are still underway, other ‘non-live’ vaccines (for instance, flu or whooping cough) are considered safe for pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Read the latest NHS advice on the COVID-19 vaccination on their website.