Invited for vaccine but don't know why!

[ItsJustASimpleLine]

I've received a vaccine invite and it's genuine I've spoken with my Doctors but they can't tell me why I've been invited. I'm under 40, overweight but no other known risk factors. Are people with a high BMI now being invited?

Are you a carer of any kind? They are being done alongside the caree.

People who are morbidly obese are being asked as part of the clinically vulnerable group.

Plus carers, and it seems in some areas staff such as nursery staff or police.
Some if those last groups are asked to 'fill up' when they have spaces on a day and want to use every slot.

Not a carer or keyworker, office based council worker.

I can't remember the last time I was weighed at the doctors but its been at least 18months probably more like 2years.

My blood type is o neg could that make a difference?

Being overweight doesn't put you at risk from what I've read, only being obese?

On the bbc they're saying 1.7 million more people are being added onto the shielding list so that they can be prioritised for vaccines. Ans now it's being done by other factors such as where you live / weight etc ...

Must be my weight, I had a blood transfusion after my first child, I'm o neg blood type and that's my exciting medical history.

I don't want to be taking one before my turn but doctors say I'm on the list if I want it book it so I will. (While quietly worrying there's something in my medical history I should be more concerned about!)

It depends how overweight you are. If you are obese then you will be in category six.

Is it only for those with a bmi of 40 or over?

I knew I was obese not severely/morbidly but given lockdown I probably am now! I was clearly heavier then I thought last time at the doctors.

its because theres a bunch of spares due to expiry dates so a few people get randomly selected to prevent them being thrown away

Thank you.

As PP said, they are now adding loads of people, who, based on the data from the last year, might be more at risk.

The factors are
where you live (poorer postcodes)
ethnicity
weight
other medical conditions

so it may be that you are hitting one of those.

Or, as rosydreams says, you are randomly selected.

I got an invite today too. 43. Not a carer or key worker, but chubby (size 14) but no health issues. Is it possible some local areas are just being really fast and efficient?

I was amazed - was expecting to be in May or something.

My very over weight friend was given hers for the reason of being overweight. She's under 35.

@steppemum:the info on poorer postcodes is interesting

Are they brewing specifically targeted, or have they had more refusals (& therefore more ‘spares’?

As others have said, there are lots of reasons for being in group 6 (and based on estimated figures it seems approx 1 in 5 people aged 16-65 are in this group). I assume the GPs have some sort of computerised screening to identify the relevant people so it's possible historic issues that no longer apply are picked up if records have not been updated e.g. that you were obese at some point, or used to be a carer for someone. Also, there are some health issues where the person may not realise it puts them at greater risk so wouldn't associate it with being called earlier than their age group e.g. coeliac disease suffers are in group 6, which some have been surprised by. Some mental health conditions could put you in this group too.

Maybe BMI but lots of council workers are also being vaccinated too.

[quote 10kaDay]@steppemum:the info on poorer postcodes is interesting

Are they brewing specifically targeted, or have they had more refusals (& therefore more ‘spares’?[/quote]
from what was said, it looks as if they are selectign deprived areas in combination with other factors to encourage people to shield. I have no idea what their criteria are

I think people should just have the vaccine if they are invited. If they start querying it that just takes up admin and clinician time. We’re all going to be offered it in the next few months anyhow.

Some areas seem to be getting through the groups much more quickly than others, is all.

It's BMI. My friend has been called. She's early 40's and a BMI of 40 plus.

She's also been added to the shielding list.

I'm taking it I double checked with my Doctors they confirm I'm eligible (but won't say why) so I'm taking up the offer.

I did have a go at the qCovid risk calculator I didnt score particularly high (40) but you get points if you have had certain bones broken in the past. Not sure how a previously broken humerus makes a difference with Covid though!

Do they assume broken bones = sign of osteoporosis?

I broke bones because I hit something very hard.

Well mine was an accident that would break anyones arm so don't think it's a specific weakness but the NHS don't have time to be checking that type of thing so probably just add it in with other factors for scoring. Better to be safe and over cautious.