Latest Covid 19 news for our members

The NHS is issuing a fresh warning to residents to be on their guard against fraudulent messages as new scams are being sent to patients.

This week there have been fresh reports that some people are receiving fake fraudulent calls, emails and text messages offering the COVID-19 vaccination.

In the most recent case people are receiving a notification of their ‘vaccination appointment’ and are being asked to confirm it by clicking on a link.

This looks very similar to the genuine texts being sent by GP practice vaccination teams and the NHS is worried people will be conned by them or will not respond to their genuine invitations.

The NHS has this advice for patients:

• An official NHS text message will include details of your GP practice. It will also include details of the local vaccination service and its location;
• Scam text messages and emails are not including local information such as your GP practice details or where you are invited to attend;
• The COVID-19 vaccination is only available by the NHS and it is free – you will never be asked to pay for it or your bank details.

If you are worried about a text message you have received, please be assured you will remain on your GP practice list for vaccination if you don't respond.