Useful links during Covid-19 pandemic
Posted on: Tuesday 12 January 2021
Originally published March 2020
The following list of useful links have been compiled by the team at Retina UK to provide information and support for our community.
The list is updated regularly. However, in this rapidly changing environment, we cannot guarantee that the links will provide the most up-to-date information. All links will open in a new tab.
- The vaccines
- Home testing kits
- Isolate safely
- Maintain access to food and medication
- Protect mental health
- Continue communication and social connection
- Other
The Vaccines
The Retina UK Medical Advisory Board (MAB) have commented on concerns which have been raised by our community about potential adverse effects of the vaccine on inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD). They have confirmed the that there is absolutely no contraindication to the vaccines with respect to IRD. If someone is severely allergic and carries an epipen then Pfizer may not be so suitable. The vaccines do not contain live virus so are safe for people on immunosuppressives etc.
- NHS Covid-19 Vaccine page
- Covid-19 vaccine information from Guide Dogs
- Gov.uk Covid-19 Vaccination pages
- Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – the most recent advice on groups that should be prioritised for vaccination
- Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
- Further guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on Covid-19
- Information about the vaccines, the dosage and schedule for the UK and recommendations for the use of the vaccine
Ordering home testing kits
The Government has announced that it is making it is introducing three new measures to make it easier for people to order home testing kits. These measures are:
- Home test kits can now be ordered over the phone by calling 119 as well as via the internet
- NHS Test and Trace partnership with Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to improve home testing service for people with visual impairments
- New video-call support service with specially trained NHS Test and Trace staff will assist people with vision impairments to test at home
www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-home-testing-kits-now-easier-to-order.
Isolate safely
- COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
- COVID-19: guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people
- Guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
- Pregnancy Guidelines
Maintain access to food and medication
- For anyone struggling to secure essentials including food or groceries, please contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999
- Food Banks
- Getting assistance with foods and medicines if you are reducing social contacts
- What to do if you need to see a GP or get medication
- Recipes from items in your cupboards
- Tesco priority slots for vulnerable customers 0800 917 7359
- Self refer to NHS Volunteers for support with shopping and medication deliveries 0808 196 3646.
Protect mental health
- The Hub a group of 800 trained therapists offering free support for those struggling emotionally as a result of Covid-19
- How to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak
- Mind-: Coronavirus and your wellbeing
- NHS – Staying at home tips
- NHS – Easy low impact exercises
- NHS – Mental health helplines
- Silverline free helpline, info, friendship, advice, over 55s 24 hours a day
- Look wellbeing workshops for VI aged 18-35 and other support
- New advice to supprt mental health during Coronavirus outbreak
- BBC article on protecting your mental health
Continue communication and social connection
- Ways to stay social online while in self-isolation
- Staying in touch
- Staying active at home
- Fitness Studio exercise videos (Free)
- Nature activities for kids
- Sport England staying active at home
Other
Inclusion in these lists does not consititute a recommendation by Retina UK.
