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?

Actually, that wasn’t the thread I was looking for - it was the one where someone was going to report the person who had sent the link to a WhatsApp group of friends and family.

You must be mad. If it was offered he can take it.

Keyworkers are being offered left over vaccines. For example in the fire brigade firefighters will be offered the vaccine first and then office staff. This is to prevent vaccine wastage.

@gingganggooleywotsit that's my point though. He hasn't been offered it officially. If he had been, it wouldn't be queue jumping.

In Scotland anyone who works for Health and Social Care Partnerships seems to be getting offered the vaccine even if they are working from home or would normally be office based with no public contact . It’s a bit annoying when colleagues of mine with no health issues no risk factors have had vaccine and my shielding parent still has to wait as does my elderly neighbour , both of whom are terrified to leave the house .

Has he actually tried to book?

As a PP says, anyone can share a link. It doesn’t mean you’ll actually be allowed to book in.

@coffeerunner no he hasn't, to be fair. But I know of a few people who have managed to jump the queue and I don't agree with it. I just think the quickest way out of this is to let those priority groups get theirs first and the attitude of 'I can so I will' bothers me.

You're strictly not allowed to share the booking link!

He's not eligible or he would have been invited directly. Being a key worker is irrelevant.

I am worried now. My mum is 80 and hasn't been done yet. She is overdue for a letter from her vaccinating authority. I booked her a vaccine this evening (for Tues) using her nhs number and an nhs booking link someone posted on here. Will she be turned away?

I am worried now. My mum is 80 and hasn't been done yet. She is overdue for a letter from her vaccinating authority. I booked her a vaccine this evening (for Tues) using her nhs number and an nhs booking link someone posted on here. Will she be turned away?

If she is 80 she wont be turned away.

@RosesforMama

I am worried now. My mum is 80 and hasn't been done yet. She is overdue for a letter from her vaccinating authority. I booked her a vaccine this evening (for Tues) using her nhs number and an nhs booking link someone posted on here. Will she be turned away?

No. The system accepted her NHS number & allowed her to book. She’ll be fine.

Thankyou! I did test the system an hour ago by inputting my own birth date and name and I got told I wasn't yet eligible (I had no intention of actually booking, was just checking that it wasn't just letting anyone book and mum would be turned away). So I was feeling a bit better. Cannot wait for her to be done.

Your DH should only receive it if his work has sent it to him.
I know for some areas especially for the Pfizer vaccine they have options such as for police so that vaccines aren't wasted. In our area NHS admin were given it to stop wastage. I have no issues with avoiding waste and a call up list but queue jumping is different

Eh? I don’t get how he can. I understood there were priority groups (largely older and vulnerable people plus frontline KW). If other associated KWs are getting it so as not to waste a batch that makes sense. Someone able to book online who does not fit the above criteria is ridiculous, if even possible.

I think you should do more than tell him you ‘disagree’. Absolutely appalling attitude.

What would you suggest I 'do` if he were going to try and queue jump, @KeepWashingThoseHands? I don't think he actually is going to, but if I hadn't objected to the principle of what his mother was suggesting he do then he might have done. This post is more about the moral standpoint of the situation. Whether the fact that he has been told he 'could' access it earlier than if he waits to be invited means that he should.