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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Turned away from my booster

97 replies

Refusedmybooster · 09/12/2021 21:08

New rules started yesterday, anyone can have booster as long as they had their second jab at least 91 days ago.
Went onto NHS website and booked for this morning. I'm at 5 and a half months post second jab.
Turned up today and was turned away as I wasn't yet at 6 months.
I read out the guidance on the NHS website.
I showed that I had booked through the correct channels.
Computer says no.
They want us to have a vaccine and then say no.
What a joke.
(Name change but long standing mumsnetter)

OP posts:
Elderflower14 · 09/12/2021 22:08

I had my booster last month. I've been getting reminderz via text and email saying I've not had it.. I rang the surgery who told me to ring 119. They say there are sending them out to everybody regardless if they have had their booster or not. I told them it could be very confusing to some people a d worry them.. I also said it was a waste of time and money!!

3peassuit · 09/12/2021 22:08

I’ve had my booster as I’m main carer to my clinically vulnerable daughter. DD, with a weakened immune system, has been unable to book hers. I don’t understand this.

lostmymarblesbutfoundthewine · 09/12/2021 22:10

I am 42, Got a text last Friday inviting me and had my booster Saturday morning. My 2nd jab was only December

Rhayader · 09/12/2021 22:14

I wear for a walk in yesterday, they were doing anyone 18+ with 3+ months since their last jab. It seems to vary so much.

NFLwidow · 09/12/2021 22:15

I’m 41 had my booster at a walk in 10 days ago. Went with my sister who is 38. Both got them no question asked. Didn’t even get to sit down for the jab. Got told to queue, roll up sleeve and it was boshed in. They were doing loads.

lostmymarblesbutfoundthewine · 09/12/2021 22:15

Sorry meant 2nd jab was july

NFLwidow · 09/12/2021 22:16

My second jab was July.

KaycePollard · 09/12/2021 22:18

I'm at 5 and a half months post second jab.

I think you misunderstood. You can book from 5 months after your second vaccination, but you can't have an appointment until the 6th month. So you can book a month in advance, but still need to wait 6 months.

But it may be that the computer systems are still being re-calibrated - to cover over 60 million people is a huge job.

Findingapath · 09/12/2021 22:19

Happened to me too, I even had Nhs text from GP inviting me for it! Arrived at walk in centre, only to be turned away! There was only one other person there getting their booster. Such a waste of time and energy

Crinkle77 · 09/12/2021 22:22

Hope I don't get turned away for mine. I heard on the telly on Monday that over 40's could book their booster and the system let me do it. I had my 2nd vaccine 15th July and my booster is 20th Dec.

Fupoffyagrasshole · 09/12/2021 22:23

Got mine and I’m 33 just walked in

Original poster
Refusedmybooster · 09/12/2021 22:24

@KaycePollard this is no longer true. It is now meant to be over 40 and at least 3 months since second vaccine.

Turned away from my booster
OP posts:
dementedpixie · 09/12/2021 22:24

@KaycePollard

I'm at 5 and a half months post second jab.

I think you misunderstood. You can book from 5 months after your second vaccination, but you can't have an appointment until the 6th month. So you can book a month in advance, but still need to wait 6 months.

But it may be that the computer systems are still being re-calibrated - to cover over 60 million people is a huge job.

The timing has been cut to 3 months rather than 6 and OP said she's over 40 so should be eligible to get it now.
ichundich · 09/12/2021 22:27

The same thing happened to my friend this morning. Hopefully it'll get sorted over the next few days.

ichundich · 09/12/2021 22:31

@KaycePollard

I'm at 5 and a half months post second jab.

I think you misunderstood. You can book from 5 months after your second vaccination, but you can't have an appointment until the 6th month. So you can book a month in advance, but still need to wait 6 months.

But it may be that the computer systems are still being re-calibrated - to cover over 60 million people is a huge job.

Not if you're 40+; it's supposed to be only 3 months now.
Tupperwarelid · 09/12/2021 22:32

@Elderflower14

I had my booster last month. I've been getting reminderz via text and email saying I've not had it.. I rang the surgery who told me to ring 119. They say there are sending them out to everybody regardless if they have had their booster or not. I told them it could be very confusing to some people a d worry them.. I also said it was a waste of time and money!!
That explains why I got the text and email as well despite booking my booster through the website and my NHS app being updated.
JustLikea · 09/12/2021 22:34

It's so frustrating

I queued up for a walk in booster to be told my 2nd jab had to be 6 months or more ago.

I couldn't find the exact date so the security guard ended up walking away while I looked and he just said let them sort it out inside.

And once I got inside they didn't even ask and just jabbed me with no problem at all.

harper30 · 09/12/2021 22:35

This is all so weird, we've got a walk in centre in Worcester and they'll literally do any age, as long as you've had your most recent vaccine 3 months ago. When I was there on Monday (I'm 33) there were literally teens/young adults getting theirs done too.
Sorry for all of you getting turned away especially if you've BOOKED? Seems insane

ChargingBuck · 09/12/2021 22:53

You haven't been refused your booster. You can have it in a couple of weeks.

First world problems huh? "The third phase of a multi-billion pound national rollout of a health-preserving, society-protecting & potentially life-saving free vaccine has caused me a minor personal inconvenience. How do I lodge my complaint?"

MrsJBaptiste · 09/12/2021 22:59

Another one whose friend got turned away this morning as he was 2 weeks early (Leeds if that makes a difference)

gospelsinger · 09/12/2021 23:00

I got turned away today too. I don't know my NHS number.

Vivana · 09/12/2021 23:04

I've only just had my booster despite being in social care and 2nd vaccine in April and over 40. I should of been priority

theemperorhasnoclothes · 09/12/2021 23:32

I was turned away a few weeks ago - it's madness.

It's all very well saying first world problems, but the number of parents of kids in schools who are catching it and getting very ill is going up, fast. The 40+ will be taking up the hospital beds and putting strain on the NHS. Omicron is multiplying fast, it's not waiting for the vaccination centres to 'communicate' better.

Every single person knows you should be able to get a booster if 3 months plus and over 40 now. It's ridiculous anyone in this group is being turned away.

sites near me that previously did walk ins have stopped doing walk ins and there are no appointments.

It seems virtually impossible to get a booster even if eligible. I'm going to try at the last remaining walk-in within a 45 min drive of me tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Busybee5000 · 09/12/2021 23:39

Same happened to my husband, he came with me to get my booster and as it was a walk in, tried to get his (previously when I booked mine, he was not at the 6 mth mark but now they’ve changed it). Centre said that their protocols hadn’t been changed yet even tho the else had and he couldn’t have it. And they wonder why booster take up is low!

LittleOwl153 · 09/12/2021 23:41

I'm over 40, 5.5 months since 2nd Oxford jab. Got my Pfizer booster this morning having booked on the nhs system yesterday afternoon- actually changed my already booked appointment in January!

Frustrating to hear of others turned away when there is clearly vaccine waiting... hope it doesn't got to waste!