How to complain about vaccine grouping?

[Watchingbehindmyhands]

So, I am eligible for the vaccine in group 6 because of my BMI (over 40). I am fortunate to rarely be ill and have very little contact with my GP. I have in writing from my GP that the groupings come from NHS England and that they therefore can’t change my current grouping of 9 to 6 as a result.

Has anyone else had this experience? Is there a way through to challenge it?

Your BMI puts you at risk.

A faux 'oh but i'm never ill' doesn't alter the fact that you are overweight, and at extra risk.

If you get Covid, you are more likely (but not certain) to cost the NHS a fortune.

When was the last time you were weighed by your GP? What was your BMI at that point? It might be that your BMI was under 40 and therefore you aren’t flagging as group 6.

Why would you complain that your risk is high so you have been offered the vaccine? The don't understand.

Yes, I’m perfectly aware of that, thanks. If you can’t offer any help or even read the post properly, why bother responding?

Have they got your weight on record? If your bmi is over 40 you should be picked up

I want to be placed in group 6 because of my BMI. I am not in group 6 and GP says they can’t change it. How can I challenge that?

Sorry. Whay did I misunderstand?

No, it would appear they don’t have my weight on record.

I'm sorry, I can't understand what you're trying to do? Be removed from group 6 and not have the vaccine yet? Or something else?

So doc says you are group 9 but you want to be in group 6?

They just need to add your weight to their records. If they are refusing to do that ask to speak to the practice manager

Oh, my bad. Your OP was unclear.

You'll be vaccinated eventually I guess.

Get weighed?

My BMI puts me in group 6. GP says I am group 9 and they cannot change it. How can I challenge that?

Does your GP have your weight on record?

If you have been assigned to the wrong priority, then yes it can be changed. But if your GP does not have your weight on record, then the paperwork will not allow for the change as there is no evidence in your notes to re-assign you

I thought it is your GP that proves the information for vaccinations. Therefore so long as you meet whatever criteria has been laid down for the groups your GP is ultimately responsible.

So 3 replies and 2 of them have not read the OP correctly.

I would phone the surgery again and tell them that you would like to come in to have your record updated with your current weight. If they refuse get the details of the Practice Manager and put your complaint in writing. That should be enough to spur them on.

Who says you can't change it ? Your actual GP or just when you've called they've told you on reception that they can't be changed ? As in, maybe they're getting a lot of people calling them especially right now because they've added another 1.7 million people onto the shielding list.

I suppose the first thing you need to do is get your weight recorded with them because otherwise you'll never show up on their list? Are you able to make an appointment to discuss this or have you already tried and that's why you're stuck?

You need to get your weight on record. You may need to go in and be weighed

Try the practice manager if not can you change practice? How odd they won't put you in the right category.

Or try your CCG. The better option would be to reduce your bmi. The difference in grp 6 and 9 is probably around a 6 week delay.

@TokyoSushi

I'm sorry, I can't understand what you're trying to do? Be removed from group 6 and not have the vaccine yet? Or something else?

She wants to be moved to Group 6 so she can get the vaccine. She is currently in Group 9 and not getting it any time soon.

Your GP needs to know your height and weight so they know you have a BMI >40

Is it that easy? Just speak to the Practise Manager? I have gone round in circles with emails and phone calls and no one is able to do it for me.

Slow typing and missed your update.

As you have not been weighed at the practice, you need to make an appointment to discuss weight management, and you can be weighed whilst you are there.

Not tried for an appointment. Receptionist said no. She told me to email. Response was ‘we can’t change your group’.

@lughnasadh

Oh, my bad. Your OP was unclear.

You'll be vaccinated eventually I guess.

Get weighed?

The OP was perfectly clear to anyone with basic comprehension skills.