Last updated on January 4th, 2022 at 03:39 pm
In today’s update:
- SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, Flu and RSV Testing
- COVID-19 Vaccinations – Moderna vaccine and over 45 appointments available
SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, Flu and RSV Testing
From 26 April 2021, the automatic extended PCR testing for influenza A/B and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) in addition to SARS CoV-2/COVID-19 for patients with symptoms of COVID-19/influenza that has been in place over the winter will be discontinued due to the low prevalence of influenza/RSV. Symptomatic patients will be tested for SARS CoV2/COVID-19 only with the exception of ICU and haematology patients who will still be tested automatically for an extended virus panel. If testing for additional respiratory viruses is clinically indicated on any other patients, please discuss with the Microbiology Laboratory on extension 1837 on a case by case basis.
Detailed guidance on testing for COVID-19 is available at https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/current-case-definition-and-assessment-flow-chart/.
COVID-19 Vaccinations – Moderna vaccine and over 45 appointments available
Both the Moderna and the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines are in use at the Mass Vaccination Centre at St Helens Rugby Ground. Any member of staff yet to have their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can request an appointment using the local booking line: 01744 64 74 84 or email: STHKCovid.Vaccinationinvite@sthk.nhs.uk to book their appointment, slots are available this week.
Any family and friends in the eligible categories (over 45s, clinically extremely vulnerable, adult carers) can also book their first dose appointment at the St Helens Mass Vaccination Centre by calling the local booking line on: 01744 64 74 84.
There is a wealth of information about the COVID-19 vaccine on the COVID website: https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine-faqs/
If you have any further questions, please email: communications@sthk.nhs.uk and we will have your queries answered in confidence by a member of the vaccination team.