10 tips when getting your Covid vaccine at a drop in clinic

Did you know that lots of areas now have Covid vaccine drop in clinics where you can just turn up on the day between a specific time to get jabbed.

Why I chose to go to a drop in clinic 

When I first got a letter inviting me to book an appointment for a Covid vaccine I had a monster of a cold. I gave it a week or so before trying to book…as you do. Except, when I went to book ALL the locations near(ish) to me had vanished. Ekk!!!!!! It was a choice between a massive trek in the car for an appointment, or a short walk to the drop in clinic. 

To tell the truth, I did feel a bit nervous about going to a drop in clinic, but there really wasn’t anything to be worried about at all. They are not like pop-up stalls 🙂  but rather, well planned days where clinics are able to open their doors to people without appointments. 

Imagine a fancy restaurant where you need to have a reservation. Except for one Saturday a month – when you CAN turn up on the day and get a table. The restaurant, food and service is exactly the same. It’s just that you didn’t book. See… not so bad afterall.

Here are 10 tips when getting your Covid Vaccine at a drop in clinic to consider… just to help your experience run that little bit smoother.

10 tips when getting your Covid Vaccine at a drop in clinic

1. Save the date

Check your local council website for the dates, times and locations of their Covid vaccine drop in clinics. SAVE THE DATE (and details) but then nearer to the time double, double check that nothing has changed… because sometimes they do change. Important: Drop in clinics will be open to specific age groups and 1st time jabs only.

2. NHS Letter

If you have your NHS letter inviting you to book an appointment for a Covid vaccine, bring this with you! The reception desk will then be able to easily bring up your details via your NHS number and other information included on the letter. Our queue was held up for ages as the poor staff manning the reception desk struggled to hear people (who didn’t bring their letters) spelling out their names, addresses and doctors details through the noise and face masks.

3. A face mask or 2

As like going to the shops, you will NEED your face mask. If you’re wearing a material one (which can get damp over time), bring a spare, in case you end up having to wait around for longer than expected. You’ll be more comfortable for it. 

4. Allergies and medication

Make a list of any allergies you have, and any medication you are currently taking and bring this with you. Once you’ve been checked in at the reception desk of the drop in clinic, you’ll be given a form where you’ll be asked to fill in these type of details. It’s easy to forget in the moment, so a good idea to keep your list handy. 

5. Bring ID

You may be asked to provide a photo ID, so make sure you have this with you. I.e. a passport or driving licence. I was mistaken for being too young to attend the drop in clinic by one of the doctors who were supporting the reception desk staff. We all had a bit of a giggle when they saw how old I actually was (OLD!!!!). But I don’t think I would have been laughing if I’d been turned away after the wait.

6. Bring some bits and bobs

Pack a little bag with a drink, tissues and something to do. Maybe a game on your phone (make sure it’s charged), a book or some sort of device to keep you entertained while waiting. Whether you’ve got an appointment or are going to the drop in clinic, there will be a wait, and if you’re not keen on jabs – let’s face it – who is?! – having something to distract you will always be useful.

7. Queue like it’s ‘magic hour’ at Disneyland!

By this I mean, GET THERE EARLY. It kind of defies the object of ‘dropping in’ at the drop in clinic, but I’m not joking when I say that by opening time, the queue was down the road and round the corner. I was there 45 mins early and was about 5th in the queue. So when the doors opened, I was in! Woohoo!! 

8. Don’t be shy

If you have any questions or need help, make sure you speak up right away and ask the stewards. In the first 10 mins of waiting, at least 15 people joined the wrong queue for the drop in clinic (one queue was for the drop in and one was for 2nd vaccine appointments) and ended up having to rejoin the right queue – which by then, resembled that massive snake in Harry Potter. 

9. Take your time… and relax

Whether you are 1st or 100th in, take your time once inside and getting ready to be seen for your Covid vaccine. Just because it’s a drop in clinic, doesn’t mean that you’ll need to run in, jab, and go! It’s very much like a normal appointment once you’re checked in if I compare my drop in experience to Mr Buttons appointment one.

10. Smile!

You’ve done it. You’ve ticked off your first Covid vaccine. Don’t forget to thank the lovely team (as you go) who have looked after you. It’s going to be a LONG shift for them and a little bit of gratitude goes a long way. If you’re feeling extra kind… sport a big smile as you come out, it will give those still waiting an extra dash of courage.     

Wondering what it feels like to have the Covid vaccine? Pop over to 40 NOW WHAT to read about Talya’s experience.

*This post is based on my own personal experience. I am not a medical expert. Please do seek appropriate medical advice as required.

** At the time of writing, a vaccine bus is now in operation in London, run by Westminster Council. This is likely to offer a different experience from the drop in clinics.

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