Got a text not sure what they mean

[PumpkinP]

I got a text to say I’m one of the ones that’s need to stay at home for 12 weeks as I’m “vulnerable” I have no idea what they are referring to as I have no health issues, does anyone know how you find out what they mean or do they just send it to everyone?

It is a bit worrying if many of these messages are going to the wrong people, but errors do happen of course....

Whenever my doctors or dentist send any texts out for my children it's comes to my mobile as my number is down as their contact number

I’m confused by the groups anyway. Which conditions mean you are meant to be self isolating for 12 weeks? Is it only certain conditions because my ds has mild asthma not severe. Is it only the ones in the extremely vulnerable groups?

If it’s not the gp sending them then who is it?

If you follow the link on the text it explains the difference between ‘vulnerable’ and ‘extremely vulnerable’ and how ‘extremely vulnerable’ people need to be ‘shielded’ rather than just social distance.

I got one for my daughter, because it’s my number on her health records (she’s 8).

It sounds like it's likely for your ds with mild asthma, I know you say that it is mild but even mild asthma has the potential to become very serious with any respiratory virus (as I'm sure you already know) so they might be taking precautions for anyone who is asthmatic? The three steps away advice will be where possible, but they don't expect you to follow that if you have dependants.

I got the exact message last night. I too have no underlying health issues. I was very lucky that I managed to speak to my GP in the morning who send the message was most likely sent in error.

*said

My dad received this message. He has asthma and regularly takes inhalers but definitely wouldn’t have described himself as ‘severe’ like the like says. I don’t know if he managed to speak with the GP today, but he was definitely taken aback by the message.

Is your child registered at GP/hospital against your mobile number? For appointment reminders etc

They are just sending it to anyone with that diagnosis code on their medical record. My Dad got one for COPD. I never even knew he had that.

The text or letter comes from NHS England not GP practices or hospitals. Sorry I don't know how to link but if you Google ' NHS England letter to vulnerable patients ' you'll find the information there.

I think some of it has got a bit in error - my dad got one that is wrong, I haven't got one but should do...

I think some have gone out ( or not gone out) in error. I have 2 vulnerable in my house and no message....

I did have the generic don't go out message though

On the daily press conference the other night the medical woman did say that these texts are being sent based on data insights at this stage, rather than being anything too personalised or specific, so they may well go out to too many people initially and if you think you can come off the list then to just talk it through with your doctor.

The link in the message leads to a form that you sign up to, where you put your NHS number in. If you were sent it in error just don’t do that bit. If you aren’t sure, fill it in and see if you are accepted to the EVP register or not?

The point of it is to ensure that those who need additional services to remain shielded and/or isolated in their homes are able to access those services when the time comes.

I spoke to haematology today and said I hadn't received one and did that mean I didn't need to shield
Consultant LOL. No you're staying inside

A couple of days ago they said they were erring on the side of caution with sending them out - I’m sure everyone would rather get a text that they didn’t need and can choose to ignore; than risk someone vulnerable not getting the info.

If your DC have your number as their contact number (which would be usual unless they are 17/18) you will receive any text meant for them. For data protection reasons they cannot include names in the texts (in case, as pp has pointed out, the number has been reassigned).

Sounds like it may be for your child if they have asthma.

Mobile numbers are often reassigned , it could be that your number used to be allocated to someone else who hasn’t changed their records with the NHS

Could be Mild asthma is still high risk for this so will be for your dc.

The asthma uk website lists the different medicines and inhalers and classifies the severe ness on the basis of that.

I think the text is aimed for your child unfortunately. Asthma is a concerning underlying condition as Covid-19 affects the lungs. The text is not a mistake, but was sent to your phone number as your phone number must be on your child’s medical records under contact details

When I get texts from NHS-NoReply they certainly reference my details.

Eg Mrs X Y - with my year of birth or age in brackets.

These texts shouldn't be sent out for someone with mild asthma. There are supposedly around 1.5 million people who should stay at home for the 12 weeks. Over 5 million people in the UK have asthma.

Those with severe asthma are extremely vulnerable and should stay home for 12 weeks. The vast majority of people with asthma are still vulnerable and have been told to follow strict social distancing, but at the moment are not being told to never leave their home.

OP definitely check with your drs tomorrow if you can, but it's probably been sent by mistake. If they do say it's about your ds, then maybe question them as to why they are saying his asthma is that severe.