Keyworker entitlement? Just because you can, doesn't mean you should...

[Needsleeeeepsendheeeelp]

My DH told me today that as he is classed a keyworker, he is apparently able to book his vaccine online. His DM has sent him a link to do this. He is keen on the idea, but I feel that he should wait his turn. His status as a keyworker is pretty tenuous (he isn't NHS, supermarket or front line in any sector and wasn't classed as a kw in lockdown 1), and he works exclusively from home. None of us are vulnerable (DS was shielded in lockdown 1 but is no longer classed as ECV).

If people like him have vaccines in front of the elderly and ECV, then surely the burden on the NHS will take longer to ease and therefore the restrictions will be around even longer?

Just because you 'can', doesn't mean you 'should', right? Or am I being overly precious and should everyone just get it when and if they can?

Maybe your area has done all the over 80s etc?

My friends husband is in his 30s,works for the council from home and had his the other day

His mum sent him the link? Not his work or anyone with actual authority over the vaccine? That sounds like his mum is entitled to it and she’s trying to get him done by the backdoor. I bet if he tries he won’t be able to because he won’t have any proof he’s entitled to it.

I think people not taking the vaccine when offered is the thing that's going to cause more strain on the NHS than trying to adhere to a system where only take it when you've decided it's the right time.

Link or not, he should only get it if he is and can prove he is entitled to it.

Be careful about booking an appt through a link his mum has sent him. At our work, people sent the link to their families, they booked appointments but were turned away at the door. It caused huge issues with ensuring vaccines weren’t issued.

Having the link doesn't mean you can have vaccine. If he's not in one of the priority groups he's not going to get it. Supermarket workers aren't one of the groups right now. Unless he's in his 70s of course

Issued?? Wasted!

I've had mine but the link came via work and I had to provide evidence of my workplace at vaccination. Some who fast track without an invitation/NHS letter could end up being turned away at the venue.

Very lucky to have had mine, but genuinely hoping a few other keyworker occupations will be added to the second part of the first phase.

I could send the link to anyone I want but it doesn’t make them eligible. His workplace will tell him if he is.

His mum sent him the link? Not his work or anyone with actual authority over the vaccine? That sounds like his mum is entitled to it and she’s trying to get him done by the backdoor.

How did you come to that conclusion? I often wonder how people come to such confident presumptions. Do people often do things like this in your experience?

Not taking it when offered will cause way more strain - they don’t have time to deal with fussy admin. It’s a huge task and the prioritisation isn’t going to be perfect. H should do it.

@OppsUpsSide unfortunately that is exactly what happened at our work. Not one person but so many they had to close the link down

@OppsUpsSide well how do you think NHS workers are booking their vaccines?

A) through an official link from work, sent by their line manager
Or
B) through a link their mum sent to them?

And you really can’t see how I came to the conclusion that there’s something fishy going on?

The bbc published an article about something similar in councils in Wales www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55783042

Basically a loophole to queue jump from people sharing an email link intended for the recipient only.

His mum has had hers, works for a private hospital but from home/in an admin role. I also disagree with her being eligible in front of the other priority groups.

Yet my DM is 76 and still hasn't heard anything about hers. Feels like those taking it because they can is slowing it down for those who should be getting theirs now.

I know there is a potential issue with wastage, and obviously if it's a case of vaccines being wasted or going to those not top of the list, the doses should be administered. But it just feels wrong.

How? I’m a mid 40s teacher, haven’t heard anything about spare vaccines etc. I have a friend who is working on a Covid ward, she hasn’t had her first jab yet!

We had a similar moral discussion in our house this weekend. Last weekend a link was sent around work (a school) saying that local NHS had finished their vaccination program so were opening it to schools and other keyworkers. Majority of us booked. They since said that this was a mistake, and someone had jumped the gun sending the link out, but that they would honour school bookings.

Dh had booked a slot as he is also a keyworker out and about, and is nearly 50 etc.

On hearing about this kerfuffle he cancelled his, as he didn't want to lie or take a Vax ahead of someone else.

I'm pleased he has such integrity, but equally a bit gutted he couldn't get it.

Thanks for the link @madamecake

We’ve been given a warning about not sharing links. His mum needs to be careful if that’s a link from her work place, she could definitely get in trouble for sharing.

We had to bring our nhs ID to our vaccines. It’s also linked to your nhs number so the evidence will be there that he queue jumped.

I could be classed as a level three key worker but I won’t be taking mine until my gp or the nhs issue me my appointment either. I wfh so like you I feel those not wfh should get it first for sure.

I am getting mine tomorrow as I come under the health and social care umbrella as a volunteer for an agency. We are not doing face to face with clients at the moment but this is the time slot for our vaccines so I am going to go and get it. They have accounted for a certain number of people to get it in this period so i would be daft not to.

Totally understand if you have been notified in any official capacity that you should take it. Its the semi surreptitious queue jumping because of a technicality that I disagree with.

@PotteringAlong it was a genuine question, wouldn’t even have occurred to me people would do that.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/4137555-Vaccinations-and-nepotism