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Original poster

Eligible for covid booster due to high BMI?

14 replies

Ohmywhat · 19/11/2022 20:26

I am going through some health tests at the moment and as part of that I was weighed last week. Yesterday I recieved an invitation to book my Covid booster which up until now I have not been eligible for. My presumption then is that it is due to my obesity. It also says to book a flu jab if eligible which looking at it, I would be.

My problem is I don't know how to get over the embarrassment of going for the vaccines which I am eligible for because I'm so fat Blush

Any advice?

OP posts:
MarmiteCoriander · 19/11/2022 20:29

Look at the queue of any vaccination centre and people are there for all manner of reasons and in all shapes and sizes. Older, younger, health workers, pregnant, obese, underweight, in wheelchairs, using a walker and everything in between.

Once booked- I don't think the staff actually giving the vaccine know the exact reason you are eligible anyways!

RoseAndRose · 19/11/2022 20:34

If you're not age qualified, but have a relevant condition, that'll be coded somewhere on your record. But it won't be swishing round like a great big flag. No-one in the centre (except perhaps the one person who is inputting your data) will see.

And there are all sorts of people of all shapes and sizes being vaccinated

cavily1806 · 19/11/2022 20:34

I can promise you that whenever you go, you won't be the fattest in the queue. It shouldn't bother you either way

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AnneLovesGilbert · 19/11/2022 20:35

If you don’t want it then you don’t have to take it. I think embarrassment is worth getting over at speed if you want it. No one else will know why you’re eligible and who cares if they do?! It’s your body being a bit heavier than it was and your risk of covid being a bit elevated as a result, it’s not a moral failing.

I still have no idea why I was eligible for the first 3 early, normal BMI, 30s, Caucasian, female, no diabetes in the family, literally no clue. My GP surgery didn’t know either when I asked in passing and no one ever asked. I took them all asap, it was a good thing.

girlmom21 · 19/11/2022 20:36

Whoever gives you the vaccine won't know, or care, why you're eligible.

Original poster
Ohmywhat · 19/11/2022 20:36

What about with the flu vaccine?

I've been given the link to book the covid one and it just says to also book a flu vaccine if eligible. Our local pharmacy does them but how will they know I'm eligible? Can they access my notes?

OP posts:
WomBat55 · 19/11/2022 20:37

I went for my booster recently due to high bmi. Here in Ireland you’re eligible of over 50 or certain health conditions. It hasn’t been widely publicised. The vaccinator didn’t know high bmi qualified and had to go check etc etc. To be honest normally I feel shame/embarrassment at my weight but not in those circumstances - at the end of the day we’re at higher risk of complications with covid and responsible thing to do is get vaccinated to reduce the risk of hospitalisation.

Original poster
Ohmywhat · 19/11/2022 20:38

Oh I definitely want to have them.

OP posts:
BloodAndFire · 19/11/2022 20:39

If you are heavy enough to qualify for a covid booster on the basis of bmi, do you really think that people can't see that you're overweight? Why would this specific situation concern you?

mimi1962 · 19/11/2022 20:41

Ohmywhat · 19/11/2022 20:38

Oh I definitely want to have them.

Just go, no one will care why you are having it. You will be in the room a maximum of 5 minutes probably a heck of a lot less.

I have mine as I am a cancer survivor with a lot of other health issues, I'd rather just be obese, well actually I am that too. Good luck.

AppleKatie · 19/11/2022 20:46

I booked a private flu jab at a pharmacy.

once there the vaccinator asked me if I was eligible for a free one. I commented that my BMI is high but I can’t ‘prove’ it as not on my medical records.

she said ‘not to worry, I can’t check and even if I could there is no fine for getting it if you turn out not to be eligible’ and a quick injection later I was on my way without having to pay.

horseflies · 19/11/2022 20:48

They won't ask when you go. I had mine because of a health thing, but I wasn't asked about it. While I was there I said 'oh can I have the
flu jab as well?' He was happy to do that too

Original poster
Ohmywhat · 19/11/2022 20:49

BloodAndFire · 19/11/2022 20:39

If you are heavy enough to qualify for a covid booster on the basis of bmi, do you really think that people can't see that you're overweight? Why would this specific situation concern you?

God you're right, I forgot that people could see me.

It's a bit different though, presenting yourself for a vaccine for the sole reason of being obese. The overwhelming majority of my life, I'm not discussing my weight with starngers, whatever their opinions of what I look like are.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ohmywhat · 19/11/2022 20:51

Thank you @AppleKatie and @horseflies for telling me your experiences. That helps me prepare and I will see what they say, perhaps I'll phone first.

OP posts:
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