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Original poster

What really happens to spare vaccines?

89 replies

Dubiousdebbie · 30/01/2021 20:51

My friend today has claimed that she has booked a “spare” vaccine for tomorrow - apparently there are loads free because of no turn ups.

Is this true - she’s sent me the text message with her booking on and it looks legit?

Wouldn’t they try and fill the spaces with 65 year olds first?

My friend is 42 no health issues not in NHS or social care.

OP posts:
jimmyhill · 30/01/2021 21:24

I guess it's possible that a surgery or vaccine hub with a big no-show problem is working things this way.

But more likely that someone is full of shit. Her, or she's been scammed, or you.

Covidcorvid · 30/01/2021 21:30

There’s a lot,of scam emails about this, offering people chance to book. Hope she’s not fallen for a scam.

Covidcorvid · 30/01/2021 21:30

Like this.

What really happens to spare vaccines?
Flowerythoughts · 30/01/2021 21:32

She may find she gets turned away if she doesn’t qualify on age, job, being a carer or any health conditions.

Vaccines do have to be disposed of after a certain time though so it’s better someone gets them than no one.

Norah8 · 30/01/2021 21:34

I work for the NHS and on Fridays a call has gone out each week around half 4 for the left overs.

purplecardigan · 30/01/2021 21:35

Once a vial is opened it has to all be used or wasted. If anyone can get there quick enough once all appointments are done it makes sense to give the 'spare' rather than it be thrown away

fuzzymoon · 30/01/2021 21:38

They have announced they have spare on a local radio here a couple of times. First come first served basis not to waste any because of people who didn't turn up. Brilliant idea.

Exhausteddog · 30/01/2021 21:39

My friend (male,early 30s, no health issues) has had 2 Pfizer jabs. He works somewhere that has been taken over as a vaccine hub. There were spares at the end of the day and he was able to get it simply because he was there at the time they were scheduled to finish.

IthinkIm · 30/01/2021 21:42

Loads of scam emails. I hope she's not clicked any dodgy links.

Ch3rish · 30/01/2021 21:43

There's been loads of discussion around the left over end of day spares but I've not seen anything suggesting that you can book one ahead of time, that doesn't ring true

Frazzled2207 · 30/01/2021 21:44

I have heard of leftover stuff at the end only the day going to whoever they can grab but to have an appointment for the following day sounds odd. If they had run out of people in the groups they are calling why would they not just call someone in the next group down. Which would not be her.

Goldieloxx · 30/01/2021 21:45

At the end of the day they give them to colleagues rather than chuck them, I know 3 people (local authority staff) who have had calls saying they can have one if they can get to the centre. Drs want to use them rather than throw them away

Original poster
Dubiousdebbie · 30/01/2021 21:45

Maybe it’s true then?

I was surprised she could book it. If she has dashed up to a vaccine centre at 5:55 on a Friday I’d believe it more.

See what happens tomorrow

Can’t decide if I’m cross or jealous!

OP posts:
Frazzled2207 · 30/01/2021 21:45

Ask her how it went tomorrow night

BrandoraPaithwaite · 30/01/2021 21:47

That picture is of a scam. My DP got the email too and investigated and it's quite a widespread scam.

However it's true that vaccination centres are giving vaccines that are about to go past their use-by date to people who turn up and wait at the end of the day. My sister is in the police and heard about it and went and got a vaccine last week. It's been in the news too. Lots of doctors are getting theirs this way.

It's because one of the vaccines has a short life once it's just in a normal fridge and it's better to give them away to any taker than bin them.

Covidcorvid · 30/01/2021 21:47

Yes, it’s the pre booking of it which doesn’t sound right.

Ch3rish · 30/01/2021 21:48

Maybe by booked she means put her name forward to be contacted if there are any spares

halllftheworllldawway · 30/01/2021 21:48

A friend of mine works at a vaccine centre and said they have knocked on doors locally offering left overs and welcome people to form a queue at the end of the day to see whether they can get a leftover vaccine from no shows.

donewithitalltodayandxmas · 30/01/2021 21:49

Suprised she could book a spare one? Last minute call, being in the right place at right time , yes I getz
Does she work for nhs or carer ? Or have have a health condition you are unaware of?
I had one of the scam emails and they did look very real

ScrapThatThen · 30/01/2021 21:52

Crazy story from Seattle when a freezer broke and they had to find 1600 people to jab

www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1256195

yearinyearout · 30/01/2021 21:56

How did she get to book it? Via what?

Original poster
Dubiousdebbie · 30/01/2021 21:58

She tells me she got the link from her friends mum who has been vaccinating for the nhs so might have insider info.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dubiousdebbie · 30/01/2021 21:58

She booked through a webpage link forwarded on

OP posts:
Kat2000 · 30/01/2021 22:01

If she received an email it is a scam, they don’t send emails. I had one so rang to check. They would only invite you by letter or phone call.

Rosehip10 · 30/01/2021 22:02

If she has booked via link for nhs staff then she will be turned away when she shows and the person who sent her the link could be in serious trouble also.

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