Cannot get a covid jab for love nor money!

[ClimbingTheCupboards]

I am pregnant and all over the antenatal clinic are posters telling me how very important it is to get my covid booster, repeated by my midwife every time I see her. No problem. Midwife says I have to book it through the GP. Fine. GP tells me I can go to the pharmacy and get it. Fine. Pharmacy say I have to go back to the GP. OK. GP tells me they will book me in for whooping cough but they don't do covid vaccines so I need to visit a website giving me details of walk-in services. Said website says walk in vaccines are paused from 31 January 2024 "until further notice". I just got a text this morning from the midwives reminding me HOW VERY IMPORTANT IT IS to get my covid jab. I'm trying!!!!

Has anyone else had this issue?

phone 119

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/#:~:text=You%20can%20call%20119%20free,if%20you%20cannot%20book%20online.

the 119 service is now closed.

I had exactly the same issue so I've given up. My midwife said that originally pregnant women were on the list for a booster but she thought we have been taken off it, as they had been told to take down all the posters that referred to covid boosters? I noticed our pharmacy had a big sign that basically said being pregnant does not entitle you to a booster 🤷🏻‍♀️ So i dont know what has gone on but the comms have been rubbish and so much confusion!

There's a tonne of evidence that covid in pregnancy is not good for you so I'm really not happy if that's the case. Wonder if I can pay for it privately anywhere.

Pharmadoctor
Its what the guardian article says will do covid vax at 45£ per person

I don't think you can at the moment.

My MIL has severe health anxiety but doesn't meet the criteria for a booster. She's been trying to get it done privately and can't find anywhere that will do it.

Same issue, also couldn’t get one.

GP and pharmacy told me that the programme finished for this year on 18 December and they are not available.

I work in maternity services.

We have been told to advise women that covid vaccines are no longer available and to book for a booster when there is next a national campaign (probably September, combined with flu).

Why would anyone want to? Pregnant or otherwise

Because some people want it and it's not up to others to judge them because we are lucky to live somewhere we can pick and choose if we want a vaccine

There is a spring campaign due to start in mid April 2024. Vaccines will only become available when the campaign starts so you may be able to get one at that point

Hi - was told by my midwife and booking in appt that I could have a flu jab then (which I accepted) but that Covid wouldn’t be available for me until April, as a previous poster said. Hopefully you can get one then, if you’re not due before?

Really ? I didn't think you could pay to have it done privately . Maybe they have them left over because of poor take up from those who were entitled to them .

I was cross to find that those between 50-65 were no longer entitled to Autumn booster when initially it was said that this age group was a higher risk . I emailed my GP surgery to see whether I could have one if they had any left over but they said not .

There is a spring booster programme upcoming but think the winter one has finished.

Because covid outcomes are worse in pregnant women and I would like to protect myself and my baby. HTH.

You'd think in that case my antenatal clinic would stop sending me texts telling me to book one then!

Honestly I love the NHS but I find the lack of comms so frustrating sometimes.

My thoughts exactly. No one is injecting that poison in me

That's fine, more for me. I look forward to sprouting an extra arm/leg/face or whatever. Fun times.

Oh Christ, the antivax batsignal has been shone on a cloud.

Noone asked for your opinion on the vaccine. The OP asked a specific question so if you don't have anything useful to say, take your anti-vax bollocks elsewhere.

Our hospital doesn't offer them for pregnant woman. Tbh I'm glad I didn't have it now. Ended up with covid at 38+5 and was fine. But did get a nice private room and no wards so worked out well. Pregnant again and not been offered it.

I’ve had this carry on as well! Currently 33 weeks and I was initially advised to get it, couldn’t find anyone who could give me it, and when I went back to the midwife to ask was told sorry, it’s actually not needed, advised or available. I’ve had the flu one and whooping cough but Covid isn’t on the list or possible anymore!

The NHS comms are so bad though, I’ve had a letter and 2 texts about booking my smear since falling pregnant, each time I’ve rang and asked if I can have that done while pregnant, been told no, and yet the reminders still keep coming🤣

Ok? I think you had probably figured this wasn’t the thread for you by the first post, but please, continue with your wonderful contributions

OP not sure whereabouts you are but a friend has recently booked an appointment with Fleet Street clinic in London after just googling “covid booster near me”

It’s moved to a seasonal booster programme now and for those who are vulnerable, including pregnant women ,it’s designed to be given in the autumn to cover the main bug season(although if you’re pregnant you can still get the flu vaccine up to the end of March). I know it doesn’t feel like it makes much sense seeing as the messaging for encouraging pregnant women to take up the booster in the autumn included reminding them they were more at risk of Covid ill effects! I presume they don’t think it’s cost effective to offer it all year round but I can understand your frustration! The positive thing is you will have had previous jabs and exposure/ infection so won’t be at the same level of risk as those poor women who had to risk getting Covid pre vaccine. I’m not clear if pregnant women are eligible or not for a booster when the spring booster roll out begins???