Was I “ being self entitled “ to request a vaccination with relevant proof and back up from medical team.

[Whattheactual20201]

I have a DD7 ( 2 other children ) my 7 year old is complex and requires nursing care that I provide ( IV meds/ fluids via IV line / cpap ) unfortunately only one other person is trained in her cares who currently also works with in the NHS so is pretty busy right now can’t take time off work etc

If I was to catch covid I one wouldn’t be able to isolate from her putting her at risk. She would have to be admitted in to hospital taking up a bed space which are important right now if I was to fall sick with covid.
Medical team advocated for me to receive a vaccine and I have it next week. This has caused uproar of me pushing in front of line. However I am extremely anxious about this and keeping daughter from having to do go in to hospital on her own and also the pressure on the NHS already.

Not at all.

I think you are a perfect example of someone who really needs it early. Don't feel bad at all.

Who is complaining? What is the uproar?

@PanamaPattie my “ best friend “ is a carer to her son with ASD/ADHD she seemed to think it was unfair that any carers were more prioritised than others.
I had to fight real hard and get a lot of back up from medical team.

Bigger question here is what is your fallback if you get ill, putting Covid to one side?

Can you ensure someone else a relative/close friend is also trained up as a back up? Your daughter really shouldn't have to go to hospital with the virus everywhere unless she urgently needs help. Plus, I'm sure the opportunity for a short break would help you too!

Good luck!

Whose uproar?? Medical team approves, vaccine appointment made.

And what?

Seems sensible to me. You clearly do a fantastic job. Thank you.

@Pillowcase123 oh trust me it’s been an issue for years. It’s the IV line that’s the issue. We can have “ carers” but they are not allowed to have over night without me being the home as not allowed to access lines etc

Sorry cross-posted with the 'best friend' answer, OP.

It's good for the NHS and it's good for your daughter. Unfortunately, some people will take the view that it shouldn't be allowed because it also happens to be good for you.

Ignore them. The first two things are all any sensible person cares about. It's great that vaccines are being allocated like this.

Sounds like a perfectly sensible and pragmatic solution to your situation with your child’s needs. Anyone else’s opinion besides your own and your medical team is irrelevant. Who is in ‘uproar’?

Not much of a friend is she. Go ahead and have the vaccine. You are clearly recommended for one for a very good reason. If your so called friend can't see that then she's not the right friend for you.

Of course you should be vaccinated as soon as possible! Yanbu

YWNBU to ask to be put in band 6 with other unpaid carers, however as the JCVI have specifically discussed this issue and decided that band 6 is the appropriate level of priority you would be self entitled to expect the be placed any higher than this.

As the parent of an asd and ADHD child. Of course you need to be vaccinated asap and before the likes of your friend. Please don't feel guilty. You have been prioritised for valid reasons.

@StatisticalSense unfortunately putting all
Unpaid carers in to one category is not fair.

Some of us do nursing care at home and children who we are accessing their blood
Stream etc are extremely vulnerable and would also take up a hospital bed if their main carer is taken out of action putting even further stress on the NHS luckily behind the scenes there seems to be some sense about this and a few of us have now been offered to vaccine.

Not unreasonable at all, particularly as it’s a request, not a demand. I think you should get it personally, as were you incapacitated (for whatever reason) it would likely take at least 2 probably more like 4 trained (and paid!) staff to provide the care you’re providing. In my view since you’re providing specialist care you have as much right to it as NHS/Social care staff who would “fill your place” were you not competent in your care of your daughter.

Your not being unreasonable at all!

Friends in the NHS who definitely aren't front line are being vaccinated just so it doesn't go to waste due to the size of the boxes with the first vaccine and the number of times it can be moved/storage issues and it physically not possible to get the number of patients through.

You have a genuine reason you wouldn't be receiving it just because you asked.

If said friend says anything further just state its due to complex caring needs and a requirement based on the risk level same as care homes etc

Your best friend needs to give her head a wobble. I have a DC with autism. I'm ECV and disabled plus I'm having to delay treatment so I can wait my turn for group 4. I quite understand why you are a priority.

Of course care givers are not on an equal par. Carers do not all care for someone with the exact same level of need and risk.

The people being cared for have their own complex needs and level of care required, comorbidities, risks to covid, and varying support networks.

Without a doubt get that vaccine, and put the negativity from your friend aside. It is understandably jealousy from her perspective but she is not in your shoes. Your circumstances are clearly not the same. She will be offered as a caregiver in the priority group 6. So will be vaccinated at the same time as people with conditions that make them vulnerable. Which won't be long now. A matter of months.

I'm happy that you were given the go ahead for that vaccine. Soon I hope it takes some of that anxiety and fear away so you can concentrate on taking care of your DD, being the incredible Mum that you are. hats off to you.

OP there are some people that you will just never please. You have a valid reason for skipping the line and I say that as someone who works with the public, lives with someone ECV and I will not be vaccinated until October. I don't think you should wait. Cases have to be individually assessed and the level of care she needs may not be possible were you to fall ill. Do they want her taking up a much needed bed for the foreseeable if you were to end up with long covid? I doubt it very much. People just love something to be outraged about.

You're reasons are sound. Your best friend - what is going on with her!

Your not you're

I don't think YOU are the one being self-entitled in this situation.

Is you friend always 'But what about Meeeeeeeeee?' How tiring.

Get the vaccine asap. No guilt needed. The vaccines are being given out in an order to save the NHS from dealing with additional patients for whatever reason. That's why you need it.

@elfycat I think covid has really made people a bit more frantic than usual. We all want our protection it’s just so hard.

Your 'friend' is an idiot. Like the sort of person who resents disabled people their parking placesx100.