Proof of ID at vaccination?

[Jennyfi]

If eligible people can book their appointments via the link on the NHS site with only a DOB, postcode and name, what's to stop somebody from booking using someone else's name and "taking" that person's vaccination?

So, for example, suppose I know that "Mary Smith" next door to me hasn't been for her vaccination yet. I also happen to know her date of birth, because Mary - like most people - doesn't treat that as super secret. I go online and book in the name of "Mary Smith", using her DOB and postcode so that I can jump the queue (this is an example only! Of course I wouldn't, but somebody else might).

When I turn up to the booked appointment, how will they check whether I'm really Mary Smith or not? What happens when the real Mary Smith tries to book a few days later and finds that her records say she's already been vaccinated?

I hope they would ask for photo ID or some other proof at the appointment. Would Mary Smith be stuck never being able to get the vaccine otherwise, because her records say she's already had it?

I was offered a vaccine and I took ID with me, it was checked by security on the door but not inside - I was only asked for booking number inside which I didn't have (as I didn't book was just sent to the hub) and explained how/why I was there - my ID wasnt checked again inside but I was given my first jab.

@DinosaurDiana - do callbacks for second doses happen automatically or is it only if you have already made your second appointment? I'm having an issue arranging my second dose for 12 weeks time.

Those without photo ID, you can apply for a citizen card.

Do places actually accept these?
I had one of these when I just turned 18, as I didn't want to drive and had no plans to go on holiday so thought it would be the best ID to get (and cheaper). However so many places turned their noses up at me when I tried to use it. Despite it supposedly being valid ID.

I wasn’t asked for ID at any point

I was done at a local centre that vaccinates for a number of nearby GP practices. I got a link from my GP that could be used only to book at that centre, rather than it being one that anyone could use. And that probably reduces the scope to impersonate

You’d need to look the right age and sex - so I’m not sure what advantage is had unless you look a decade or so older than you really are.

@ThatDamnKrampus

I was offered a vaccine and I took ID with me, it was checked by security on the door but not inside - I was only asked for booking number inside which I didn't have (as I didn't book was just sent to the hub) and explained how/why I was there - my ID wasnt checked again inside but I was given my first jab.

@DinosaurDiana - do callbacks for second doses happen automatically or is it only if you have already made your second appointment? I'm having an issue arranging my second dose for 12 weeks time.

I believe that you will be called back automatically. Well, that’s what they are saying !

Some places seem to be pre-booking people in when they attend and others not. Your details will go on NIMS - national immunisation management service. That's where the first letter came from and they should put you up for the next vaccine within the specified period.

To book online you need their NHS number. My Dad was not asked for photo ID.

I had to take photo ID, proof of my nhs number and the email from work or payslip proving I worked for them

You could say the same about turning up to vote. I assume the powers that be have weighed up the risks and concluded that it's unlikely that a stampede of frauds are about to disrupt the vaccination program by impersonating their elderly neighbours.

By the way, I wouldn't have a clue about my neighbours' dates of birth, or whether they are due a Covid vaccine.

I had to take photo ID plus my work pass (social care staff).

We’ve not had any issues with people trying to pass themselves off as someone else and vaccinated over 10k people. There’s a lot of face to face contact as you go through the hub, you’d need some brass neck try to pretend to be someone else. There are ID questions asked, and your NHS records can be checked for more detail if there’s any suspicion or irregularities.
It would actually be easier just to use a link meant for social care workers or similar and put your real details in and try to pass off as a genuine health worker.
But what kind of scum bag would do that? And if you get caught, which is highly likely as your lovely clinician and the staff are asking you a multitude of questions just imagine the humiliation. The fuss, the lead clinican being called to question you, security called, police.
And for what? For a vaccination you’ll be getting soon anyway and don’t really need if you’re young.

@bourbonne

You could say the same about turning up to vote. I assume the powers that be have weighed up the risks and concluded that it's unlikely that a stampede of frauds are about to disrupt the vaccination program by impersonating their elderly neighbours.

By the way, I wouldn't have a clue about my neighbours' dates of birth, or whether they are due a Covid vaccine.

There is almost zero voter fraud.

I think casting a ballot is a lot less tempting than getting a vaccine to a life-threatening virus!!

I know voter fraud is virtually non-existent; that was my point. The vaccine probably is a more tempting prize, but I bow to Colorindex's experience and agree with what she says.

Tbh I suspect the kind of people who'd commit fraud in this way are the kind of people who DGAF about obeying lockdown rules and think they're immune already.or that it's a hoax. They are probably in their friend's living room right now sharing a beer and snacks, and freely guffawing at close quarters.