DH 'offered' vaccination, but can't get an appointment. AIBU to think the appointment system is not fair?

[Boxerbinky]

My DH is type 1 Diabetic, so received a text from our GP asking him to call for an appointment for his COVID jab a week ago. The phone line opened at 10am, he got through at 10.03 and there were no appointments for the week. They took his details in case of a cancellation and said call back in a week. He called again yesterday and the advisor explained that our GP (where he has to get the jab) a surgery with 9000 patients was given only 50 slots, only 1000 appointments were given out in our area, which according to stats is one of the worst hit for COVID in the region. At that rate he may not get his jab til next year, but Boris has met his target by 'offering' him an appointment
I have no problem with extra vaccines being used up rather than wasted, but I also know a number of none vulnerable people who have had the jab by appointment because they are tenuously connected to someone who works in a hospital. AIBU to think this is not right?

Seems a bit strange! Could he use the NHS booking website at book a appointment at a larger vaccination hub or pharmacy led place?

If you are in England he can just book online via the nhs website as far as I know. Can he travel to a hub?

Has he spoken to 119?

I don’t think group 6 are allowed to book online or travel to a hub are they? I’m not. Has to be through the gp

Sounds bonkers. He needs to book via the NHS site. In my area I was able to choose from a list of sites and see where there was availability.

My dh is diabetic and booked online 3 weeks ago. All he needed was his nhs number.

We have the link to the NHS appointment arrive and no appointments! He was told he had to get the jab at the GP, he asked can I go to another centre and was told no, though now that he has told me this I will research that. I was stunned too, not surprised initially that he didn't get an appointment straight away, but those numbers are batshit.

That is ridiculous. You should contact your mp. I have heard that the large hubs have surplus appointments.

As said, try the online booking system. My friend us ECV and managed to get in at a local pharmacy within walking distance that way.

Honestly that's why I posted.. I contribute to posts but this is my first thread. My jaw dropped when he told me those figures. We were given the NHS link by my childminder, who has had her jab. While no one in my DS nursery has even had the text to make an appointment yet. I'm shocked! I will go on the NHS link with him tonight and see what it says about options!

Most people I know who have had the jab have booked online or via 119 & gone to a mass hub or a medical centre. Only my neighbour with walking difficulties & my friend who was on a back up list have been to GP. Which part of the UK are you in?

Knowsley, Merseyside.. this could be an area thing and if that's the case and other areas are managing this differently better it needs to be exposed!

Try the NHS vaccine website, you will probably have to travel to one of the bigger hubs. You just need DH nhs number which can be found on repeat prescriptions. There is a problem with supply this week whilst one manufacturer is updating facilities.

Try calling 911 I found them very helpful. My type 1 DS had his vaccine last week.

Where I am everyone goes to a hub. The gps aren't doing vaccines. My surgery has a big sign on the door saying " Do Not Enter". It is phone consultations only.

www.knowsleyccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-update/

Theres a number on here for extremely clinically vulnerable to use & more info on booking a vaccine.

What happens when 119 book your jab for you?

Does it get communicated to your GP so they don't offer another? Or is a note made on your records or something that your GP can see?

He's tried the NHS vaccine link, there were no appointments, I've asked him if that gave him other location options but he is yet to answer in the phone line he has been told he has to have it at his GP, though he is able and willing to travel elsewhere and told the advisor that. I don't think he has tried 119 so will explore that too.

@Endofthelinefinally

Where I am everyone goes to a hub. The gps aren't doing vaccines. My surgery has a big sign on the door saying " Do Not Enter". It is phone consultations only.

The hubs are run by GP’s. Several surgeries get together to run and staff the hub. The big vaccination centres are run by trusts.

That's odd. I work in a diabetes team and our patients are getting their vaccs no problem. I haven't spoken to anyone at work or generally who has a problem booking appointments round here

Group 6. Rang up and was given an appointment in 2 weeks, no choice. Wait to get when you are given and dont expect to jump the queue.

I think they want the GPs to concentrate on their patients with chronic illness, but it shouldn't be to the patients detriment. Hope you can get a hub appointment.

He would have been happy to be told this is your appointment time at this location.. he's only called the number sent by text. He's not called 119 so that may have to be the next point of call.

119 are really helpful. It helps if he has his NHS number when he calls. It will get onto his record, don't worry.

The gp record is updated simultaneously as the needle is stuck in your arm. It is all very efficient, no matter where you have the vaccination.