Covid Vaccination Service

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SDHC GP Federation has played a crucial role in delivering the COVID-19 vaccination programme in East Sussex. Since December 2020, SDHC have coordinated and provided dedicated support to ensure the successful delivery of the vaccination programme for residents in East Sussex.

a patient receiving a vaccination

The Autumn Vaccination Campaign is scheduled to commence on 1st October 2025.

Appointment Booking

COVID-19 vaccination clinics are now open and appointments can be booked online via the National Booking Service.

If you are unable to book online, you can call 119 free of charge to arrange your appointment over the phone. Translation services are available if required.

If you experience difficulties with communication or hearing, or if you are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can book your appointment using textphone 18001 or via the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service.

Evidence of Vaccination

If you require a certificate of your COVID vaccination, please be aware neither we nor your practice can issue this certificate. Find further information on the UK Government website

Proof of your vaccination status will be available on the NHS app (Please note third party apps may not display this info for you).

Learn more about the NHS App

Contact us.

 

Can I receive my booster at the same time as someone I care for?

Yes, if you're eligible for the COVID-19 booster, you can receive it at the same time as the person you care for, provided they are also eligible.
Eligibility criteria:

  • Age: Adults aged 75 and over. 
  • Care Home Residents: Individuals living in care homes for older adults. 
  • Immunocompromised Individuals: People aged 6 months and over who have a weakened immune system. This includes conditions such as: 
  • Organ, bone marrow, or stem cell transplant patients. 
  • Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. 
  • People with a history of certain cancers, like chronic leukaemia or lymphoma. 
  • Individuals with genetic disorders affecting the immune system. 
  • People on long-term treatment with systemic steroids or receiving immunosuppressive therapy. 
  • Those living with HIV. 
 

Walk-in availability

All sessions available on the Book, change or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment page are also walk-in sessions.

Leaf Hall Community Arts Centre

51 Seaside, Eastbourne BN22 7NB

October 18th , 25th 10am to 3pm

Hampden Park Community Centre

Brodrick Close, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN22 9NR

October 1st, 8th and 15th 10am to 3pm

Civic Hall, Hailsham

  • Address: 9, 20 Vicarage Ln, Hailsham BN27 1BE
  • Day: Fridays
  • Dates: 3rd October – 12th December 2025
  • Times: 10am to 12:45pm

Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford

  • Address: Sutton Rd, Seaford BN25 4QW
  • Day: Tuesdays
  • Dates: 7th October – 16th December 2025 (except 2nd December: 10:00–14:30)
  • Times: 10am to 3pm

Eastbourne Library

  • Address: Grove Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4TL
  • Day: Fridays
  • Dates: 3rd October – 12th December 2025
  • Times: 10:15am to 3:30pm

Hillbrow Health & Wellbeing, Eastbourne

  • Address: 1 Denton Rd, Eastbourne BN20 7SS
  • Day: Thursdays
  • Dates: 2nd October – 11th December 2025
  • Times: 9:30am to 3:30pm

Polegate Community Association, Polegate

  • Address: 54 Windsor Way, Polegate BN26 6QF
  • Day: Mondays
  • Dates: 13th, 20th, 27th October and 3rd November 2025
  • Times: 10am to 3:30pm
 

Housebound Vaccinations

If you have been coded as housebound by your GP, a member of the South Downs Health and Care (SDHC) vaccination team will contact you using the telephone number provided by your surgery to arrange a home visit for vaccination administration. Please ensure that your contact information is up to date with your surgery.

 

Children's Clinics

The autumn 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme primarily targets adults. Children aged 5 and over may be eligible for the vaccine and can book appointments through the National Booking System. Eligible children aged 6 months-5 years will receive a text invite to book an appointment.

 

Patient Specific Directions (PSDs)

If you require a vaccination outside of the inclusion criteria stated in the national Protocol or PGD, we can complete a Patient Specific Direction (PSD) form to facilitate this. The form will be completed by one of our vaccinators in your presence, making sure to obtain contact details. Following a completion of the form you will be contacted by the clinical lead within 7-10 days but if you have not heard from us between 7 and 10 days, you should contact us.

 

Advice for Individuals with a Fear of Needles

If you or someone you care for has a fear of needles, it's important to inform the vaccination staff in advance. This allows them to make appropriate adjustments to ensure a comfortable experience.

 

Duration of the Campaign

The autumn 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme is scheduled to run from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026. However, NHS England anticipates that most vaccinations should be completed by 19 December 2025 to provide optimal protection going into winter.

 

Guidance on Receiving the Vaccine While Unwell

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have a high temperature, it's advisable to wait until you have recovered before receiving the vaccine. However, if you have recently recovered from COVID-19, there is no need to delay your vaccination. The UK Health Security Agency recommends that individuals wait until they are well before attending a vaccination appointment.