Forum Topic

Getting to those falling through the vaccination net

There are quite a few very elderly simply falling through the net on vaccinations.If you know a neighbour particularly on their own it might help to check that they have had some form of communication and are not confused or unable to respond correctly.If you have a basic mobile phone ( which is very common in with over 70's) you will get a text message to call your GP. They will then call you back and take basic details for your suitability of the vaccine.(Sometimes texts come via audio texts on a landline. They are usually very hard to follow and understand.)GP practice can then set your appointment up for you and text you or call you with date, time and location.For this you do not need a smartphone or be online.But. If you only have a landline, you must call your GP and any other vital service and stress this to them so there is a clear note recorded to ensure you are either contacted by a person via landline or get a letter.Oddly many of the letters are being sent to over 80s inviting them to book online and at a location up to 45 mins away ( not including traffic deviations or volume)Completely housebound residents are being kept completely in the dark as are their regular District Nurses and Carers.If you know a housebound non ambulatory resident ( and a great many are hemmed in by  LTNs and are completely unknown. Check on them and make sure that their GP knows that cannot be transported.  A wrong assumption is being made with algorithm based data that a Housebound person can be transported.This has led to some being assumed to be refusing the vaccination by not being able to respond or having not stressed being totally unable to leave home.I noticed on BBC Breakfast how two spokespersons ducked and dived in avoiding questions about this very situation.It would be far better to either say they did not know or that the logistical issues are not resolved.  Transporting the Pfizer Vaccine is still a huge problem.A proper explanation would be far better, even if it's not particularly positive.

Raymond Havelock ● 1663d11 Comments

At least they have recognised the huge amount who do not have online access unlike the local authorities who have continued to ignore the existence of this element.There are two ways. Call 119 or call your GP and let them know you have a landline and not a smartphone or computer or broadband link.If you know someone in your street or community who is elderly and possibly not online, let them know the number at least.  So many are simply out of the loop.

Raymond Havelock ● 1643d

Completely agree Raymond.Everybody over 70 has now been told to get in touch with the NHS if they have not already been contacted about getting their jab or not had it.  There is a shortage of District Nurses so there may be a delay for the housebound to get jabbed.  Keep reminding them.

Philippa Bond ● 1644d

You would be amazed at how many won't charge it till it goes flat and then worry about the charger being on unattended in case it catches fire.Very, very few have smartphones or know how to use them. Very few have proper broadband - after all it's not cheap. Few know how to use texts.Seems like theres a culture of ignoring these issues for older people. Yet we must all know someone who is in that very situation.

Raymond Havelock ● 1659d

A very good point. I cannot understand why you would switch a phone off. One told me once it saves the battery!

Nicholas Beard ● 1659d

Could I just suggest that elderly people who don't switch their mobile phones on except in an emergency have them switched on for a few days so as not to miss a text from the GP?

Susan Kelly ● 1659d

I had a jab last night. I asked about the passport. I was told it was no longer being done. All recorded in computer. I received a text saying I had been identified as being entitled to the jab at 1500hrs. The centre was open from 1600hrs to 1900hrs. Obviously I went and took my wife who did not receive a text. I explained she was at the same surgery as me. They looked on the computer and she got a jab. However at the centre there were nearly as many taxis as cars. How would some people be able to read the text and book a taxi. The thing is the older you get the harder it gets, and it is a fact we are heading towards old age.

Nicholas Beard ● 1659d

I attended the well organised Pitshanger Lane Pharmacy this afternoon...seemingly staffed by cheerful volunteers. I was given the AstraZenaca jab which didn't require a 15 minute rest afterwards and was issued with a small "Passport: confirming the treatment. Then an easy E2 trip back home.So: just wait for your C19 letter to arrive,(book a jab appt on line or phone 119) or await a text or phone call from your GP.

Jim Lawes ● 1659d

Thanks Jennifer.  E2 bus it is to Pitshanger Lane.Roll on Sunday.

Jim Lawes ● 1661d

Is E2 any good?  It does at least go from Brentford County Court to Ealing - Google TfL Bus route from your post code to post code of Pittshanger La destination.  Best I can do - not simple.

Jennifer Selig ● 1663d

Having given one's personal data and postcode..I was offered the following venues:Wembley, Slough,Edgware,Epsom Racecourse,Marlow,,Stevenage, Aylesbury and the Excel Centre!(45 minutes away?!).I gave up on that route so phoned 119.Easy and fast response. Appt: Pitshanger Lane this coming Sunday.How do I get there by bus..I ask?

Jim Lawes ● 1663d

A good issue to raise.Firstly we were told not to bother our GP as they were busy enough..wait for them to contact you.Nothing heard..then the C19 invite letter arrives.Apply by visiting the website or dial 119. That's when the fun starts!....

Jim Lawes ● 1663d