Can I contact my GP to ask what my risk is for COVID-19?

[pinkflorals]

I want some information about a medical condition I have had my whole life and whether it puts me in a high risk group for COVID-19. I also want to know if I am entitled to a flu jab because of it. Can I just ring up reception and ask them or would I have to have an appointment with the GP?

You could get a flu jab from a chemist

Could you have a phone appointment?

Asking strangers in the Internet with no idea of your history might not get you any further. Just phone up and get your own flu shot

If you were at significantly increased risk I imagine you would have received a letter telling you to shield back in March/April time

What is the medical condition?

I will try and get a telephone appointment it's just I feel conflicted using an appointment when it is almost an admin kind of question, as I know it will be written on my medical records.

@Tootletum I know, I'm not asking about the medical condition specifically but whether receptionists are able to provide this kind of information to a patient about medical records or whether it has to be via a GP.

@EhUp I know that I am definitely not in the shielding category. But I am likely to be in the high risk category depending on the exact kind of classification of the disease I have. The guidelines are quite vague. It is a heart condition.

Hmm well in my experience the main qualification of a GP receptionist is stopping people book appointments . Just kidding, sort of. They're not medical, so they don't determine whether you can have an appointment. It's perfectly reasonable to talk to a GP about general health concerns.

Does your go we site allow you to ask questions like this without making an appointment? Ours does.

You might be able to get an appointment with the practice nurse to ask this.

There is a published list of who gets free flu jabs. Otherwise, it's £14 at the chemist.

I think the likelihood of your GP knowing what your risk is from contracting Covid19 is at best remote. They can’t possibly know how people with individual conditions will react over and above the government guidance. If you are higher risk, what do you expect them to do? The responsibility is your for minimising the risk by avoiding crowds, good hand washing, shopping online etc.
The criteria for flu vaccine will be published on your GP website. If you don’t meet the criteria and are concerned, arrange a private jab.

You can find out on the NHS website if you’re entitled to a flu jab, and your surgery will contact you in due course if you are but no harm to get it done privately earlier if you want.
Regarding your long term condition - the info is out the online and I’m sure your GP won’t mind (it will be a quick appointment I’m sure!) but if there is evidence it increases your risk it will be online, is the an organisation like asthma UK / coeliac UK for your condition?

@EhUp

If you were at significantly increased risk I imagine you would have received a letter telling you to shield back in March/April time

What is the medical condition?

No. The government didn't include many of the very highest risk conditions on the original shielding list (hopefully they'll update it).

OP, You might find it helpful to speak to someone at the British Heart Foundation. They have some good info on their website.

You shouldn't panic because your condition might not be one of the highest risk ones - and even if it is, being aware will protect you as you'll then know to take precautions. Contact your GP or hospital consultant to discuss. Just book a telephone appointment. The receptionist won't be able to answer your question. You can discuss your individual risk with the GP (not everyone with the same condition will have the same level of risk).

@pinkflorals I think I saw you on another thread so know your condition. My consultant dr bradlow did a good session for the charity related to your condition about the risk- he basically said there was no evidence we are no more at risk than anyone else. If you google his name and the charity plus Covid the video is on that page
I normally get a flu jab through work so never tried to get one for free- it's a bit vague but the list does include heart conditions generally.

If you were eligible for a flu jab, you would have been offered it in previous years? I thought the expansion this year was for age groups rather than additional medical conditions, though I may be wrong there.

You can get a private flu jab at a pharmacy