the booster jab is not available even though the govt says it is

[battenburg100]

Hi everyone

Over 50 and still not eligible according to the NHS booking system for a booster jab. My issue is the press / govt are saying that over 50s are eligible to book now and they are campaigning to increase the so called ''slow uptake' - however Ive been trying to book a booster jab for the past few weeks as an eligible person but to no avail. I feel what is in the press and what the govt is espousing is not what is happening in reality. Can I ask what mumsnetters experiences are of this please? thanks

@julieca DH is ECV (terminal cancer), he didn't get a text but I was able to book his in when I booked mine. It is madness that there is such a variation in availability though.

I only realised today that you now don’t need to wait to be contacted.
I went through the online booking system and was offered appointments on every one of the next 5 days. No issues at all.

OP, did you have your 2nd covid jab more than six months ago? You can book now if this is the case but not otherwise. It has been clearly mentioned and if you go and try to book, it tells you on the website.

My nan has had her booster already, she had her first in Jan and the second 12 weeks after that so well over the 6 months ago.

Our council newsletter says anyone who is 6 months post 2nd jab can book it doesn’t specify over 50’s on there so I’m hoping to get mine next month even though I’m under 50 as I had my second jab in May.

I think it doesn't kick in until you hit the 6 month date.

I'm 56, had my 2nd jab 8 months ago. Still being told I'm not eligible for a booster, even though I'm CV.

where have you all booked?

over 50, first jab in early April. Asthmatic so very keen!!!

I'm in London and over 50 with no underlying conditions. I received a text message from the 'NHS no reply' on 7/10 telling me to book online. I then had the booster on the 11th. Yesterday I received another text from 'NHS vaccine' saying the same thing. I was worried that my booster hadn't been logged but it definitely has. No idea why this happened. A relative (in a different borough) of nearly 80 who has serious health issues has still not been contacted

If you're in one of the qualifying groups and 6 months and 1 week post second dose then you'll be able to book on the national booking system. I've just booked mine. You don't need to wait until you're contacted.

@mumsiedarlingrevolta

where have you all booked?

over 50, first jab in early April. Asthmatic so very keen!!!

You need to be six months and one week post the second dose then you can use the NHS page to book

A few women in my village have had the booster jab. ages about 70 plus, not me as yet, not sure if you get notified, from the place I had the two other jabs. which was at an Asda store.. I am registered at a gp's. but have not been to Gp's for 28 years.

I would never have the flu jab, at the same time as one for Covid , no way.

This is a screenshot from the website.

The group falling eligible now are those who received their second jab in April, so first in Jan, which means those in the original groups 1-4. So that's NHS staff, care home staff and residents, CEV and over 70s

The most highly vulnerable immune suppressed should be getting a third primary jab any time 308 weeks after second primary (and the admin for that has been an utter shambles) and will get a booster (as 4th jab) in 6 months time

OP I’m in exactly the same boat with my 79 year old father who is now 7 months post his second vaccination. I am growing incredibly frustrated and no one seems to be able to tell me why the system isn’t allowing him his booster yet.

My dad had his yesterday .

I've seen other places on the NHS site say it is 182 days that you are eligible - maybe it's 190 days and you still haven't heard, then you can use the online booking?

My residents at the care home I work at had it this week... I'm sure they had last jab in March/April

Is it six months after the second jab or six months and one week that you become eligible if over 50? I’m hearing different things about this.

Yeah I got the text but can't book online yet.. definitely over 6 months.

Yeah check it’s been six months since your second jab.

My parents, in their 70s, called GP about this today. They were told they'll be available in our area "soon" but not yet.

I received a text today asking me to book my booster. As I'm over 70 and had my second six months and one day ago, I expected it.

I followed the link in the text. About four pages in, the link said I wasn't eligible as I wasn't a front line worker.

I tried phoning 119 three times. Each time I was told to call back later as they were busy (not suprising, seeing as how the website is so crap).

In desperation I phoned my surgery, who gave me another,local number to call. Very quickly, I was offered an appointment tomorrow

So what I take from this, is that local services seem to work, national ones, not so much

thanks @bloodywhitecat

says I am not eligible yet-will try again next week!

It is heartening to see ppl getting them!!

I've posted about this before. I'm late 50s, no health issues, not a key worker, based in Suffolk and was called up for my booster nearly 2 weeks ago.

Ahh actually it's only 186 days ago so 4 days before I can book!