Vaccination appointments - process and what do you have to do/take

[AliceLutherNeeMorgan]

As I think I understand that the appointments are centralised, is the means of communication the same for everyone, or does it depend on your GP/nearest vaccine centre etc?

We have several elderly relatives hoping to hear soon and DH and I are wondering whether they’ll need help or support to get it done. Do they get told by letter; if so is it from a central database or will it come from somewhere local? Does it have “turn up at this time” or do they then have to make contact to arrange it?

Do they have to bring anything (ID, or proof of address)? That’s the thing that two of them would be likely to lose or forget on the day. We really need them not to muck it up! What sort of notice are people getting? We can take time off work to help out, but only if we know a few days beforehand.

Sorry for all the questions- I have tried Googling but can’t see anything so thought I’d see who has what experience...

I heard today that some people had received letters sent centrally to go to a vaccination centre AND received letters sent out from their local surgery to attend there so there has been some confusion. I guess it depends if their local surgery are actually doing it or not.

Our GP’s are contacting older people by telephone and booking them in themselves, so they don’t have to take anything, but a vaccination centre was asking people to take their NHS number. It’s printed on the top of the repeat prescription or hospital letters. The surgery gave FIL 5 days notice, he’s having it on Wednesday.

It can vary depending on the method used by the GP practice network. But they mostly phone or write. Texting can be used but it’s not right for this group. They will be offered an appointment, usually over the course of the week and based on what’s available. You don’t have to bring ID.

Anyone not vaccinated and who lives near active mass sites and pharmacies will get a letter. That will soon be everyone.

This has a QR code that gives them access to the national booking system. They can then book an appointment at available mass sites or pharmacies. The numbers of these will increase over the next few weeks.

GPs should be calling the over 80’s in the next week or two. It will be a bit of a wait to see which letter comes first. But days/ 2 weeks is the type of timetable for that age group.

Thank you both - that’s really helpful. I think if it’s not at very short notice we should be able to manage it with a combination of nagging and helping out with a lift once we’ve arranged time off.

It actually feels exciting, but we are paranoid about them messing it up and not actually getting it - not to mention wasting people’s time!

Our GP's surgery phoned my Aunt to ask her to go along at 4 pm that day - and text me to make sure!

Our elderly friends had a text asking them to call their surgery to book, which they did immediately and were 8th in the queue. Fortunately they were both booked in for a couple of days later.

They've all now had their second jab too. Very lucky.

I do think we should be making sure that employers and other organisations should be compelled to facilitate vaccine uptake. Be that allowing time off for the person or for their family support bubble to get them there.

I worked at a vaccination centre last week. Nobody had to bring anything.

They will be asked if they are on certain medications (anti-coagulants to thin the blood) so maybe helpful if they take a list of what they are on. However anyone who couldn’t remember still got their jabs after a bit more questioning. I genuinely think they will do what they can to make sure people get done if at all possible.

I agree @LemonTT and I’m fairly sure my employer will be fine; particularly if there’s a bit of notice. It may be very hard for others though!

The situation @ajandjjmum describes is a problem that I could foresee; I wonder what happens if they can’t make that date due to not having help and whether they get put to the back of the queue.

Mum had a text and a follow up phone call to check she had the text and could make the appointment. No identification or anything needed.

Thanks @WhitechapelLass that’s good advice

@AliceLutherNeeMorgan

I agree *@LemonTT* and I’m fairly sure my employer will be fine; particularly if there’s a bit of notice. It may be very hard for others though!

The situation @ajandjjmum describes is a problem that I could foresee; I wonder what happens if they can’t make that date due to not having help and whether they get put to the back of the queue.

I would, personally, wait for my GP appointment call (months away for me) and see if that suits. If not when they will get the offer to book. This is prompted once they are within 30-45 mins to a bookable site (and haven’t been vaccinated). They could then pick their own timings (if available, I haven’t seen the site so don’t know if they get booked up quickly etc).

I did tell my Aunt that if she got a call to go anywhere in the country, accept it, and we'd get her there. Just like I'd happily rock up at 3 am to have my jab. In both cases, we're fit and able to do that. I do know a couple who have an elderly relative living with them, who is mobile but with help. They have said that she will have to wait until someone can come to the house to vaccinate her. I don't get that - I'd happily drive strangers - and have volunteered.

Although, on the whole, it seems that the issue is getting the flow of vaccines rather than the willingness of people to travel.