ALL SUFFOLK'S RAPID TESTING CENTRES HAVE NOW CLOSED

Collect test kits to do at home, from:

• any of the 47 libraries in Suffolk
• over 130 pharmacies in Suffolk
• the regional testing centre at Copdock, near Ipswich
• the local testing centres in Ipswich (Portman Road car park) or Lowestoft (Belvedere Road car park)

Other ways:

• Order test kits to use at home, online from Gov.uk or call NHS 119.
• Your workplace may be offering rapid testing, speak to your employer

More information: Regular rapid coronavirus tests if you do not have symptoms

**However, if you have one of the following symptoms you must book a symptomatic test by calling 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test**

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

Book a free test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call NHS 119 if you have symptoms.

There are four ways you can currently get tested in Suffolk:

• Book an appointment at the Regional Testing Site at Copdock, near Ipswich
• Book an appointment at a Local Testing Site (central Ipswich or Lowestoft)
• Book an appointment at a Mobile Testing Unit, there are a number of sites across Suffolk
• Order a Home Testing Kit, delivered to your home

Testing Centres

• the regional testing centre at London Road Park and Ride, Copdock, near Ipswich. Open from 8am to 8pm, every day
• Ipswich - Portman Road car park, IP1 2AN. Open from 8am to 8pm, every day
• Lowestoft - Belvedere Road car park, NR33 0PH. Open from 8am to 8pm, every day

Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) in Suffolk

MTUs regularly visit different towns around Suffolk, Units are open from 9am to 3pm, unless stated otherwise. Appointments can be booked by visiting the Gov.uk website or calling NHS 119. For locations and dates go to:

COVID-19 testing in Suffolk if you have symptoms

The NHS will contact you when it's your turn to have the vaccine. Do not contact the NHS for a vaccination before then. For all local vaccination information please see Suffolk and North East Essex COVID-19 Vaccination Service: https://sneevaccine.org.uk/

Including:

• Vaccine eligibility
• Making an appointment
• Attending the appointment
• FAQs

The NHS is using a range of community buildings, GP premises and hospitals to deliver vaccinations. 

Vaccination centres in Suffolk

You may be asked for your NHS number to have your covid vaccination

Find your NHS number

Before you start

You will need your name, date of birth and postcode. You will be sent a text, email or letter with your NHS number.

If you are using this service for someone else, enter their information. They will be sent their NHS number.

Once you have an appointment booked, call Connecting Communities to arrange transport. Connecting Communities will be charged at a normal bus fare rate. Tel 0345 606 6171

https://communities.suffolkonboard.com/ 

Or see what other options are available: Community Transport in Suffolk

It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and a full course will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you.

To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues you still need to:

• practice social distancing
• wear a face mask
• wash your hands carefully and frequently
• follow the current guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-what-to-expect-after-vaccination/what-to-expect-after-your-covid-19-vaccination

The NHS will never charge for a coronavirus vaccine, so anyone claiming to offer you a booking over the phone or online who asks for payment or bank details is attempting to scam you.

Examples of HM Revenue & Customs related phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts:

• HMRC is aware of a phishing campaign telling customers they can claim a tax refund to help protect themselves from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Do not reply to the email and do not open any links in the message.

• HMRC is aware of coronavirus (COVID-19) SMS scams telling customers they can claim a ‘goodwill payment’. Do not reply to the SMS and do not open any links in the message.

• HMRC is aware of a SMS scam which states you will be fined £250 for leaving the house more than once. The message asks recipients to call an 0800 telephone number to appeal. Do not reply to the SMS or call the phone number listed.

** Report scams to Suffolk Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 **

Help out with our response to the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing information with family, friends, colleagues and community groups:

• Become a Message Cascader

• New lockdown rules from 17 May 2021 (PDF, 259KB) 11/05/21

• Home testing infographic (PDF, 237KB) 05/05/2021

• Am I eligible for vaccine, testing and care? (PDF, 231KB) 15/04/2021

• Community testing (PDF, 389KB) 03/02/2021

• Self isolation financial support (PDF, 409KB) 01/02/2021

• Vaccinations (PDF, 430KB) 18/01/2021

• Find infographics plus other COVID-19 information in other languages

Easy read versions

• COVID-19 vaccinations (PDF, 751KB) 11/02/2021

Suffolk Learning Disability Partnership

Easy read guide - COVID-19 vaccine