45 but still not eligible

[cheeseismydownfall]

I turned 45 at the beginning of the month, and have been trying to book online since the 45-49 eligibility was announced earlier this week. I tried multiple times but kept getting the not eligible message.

Gave up this morning and called the helpline. Turns out you have to have been 45 on the 30th March to be eligible?! It's really frustrating. I completely accept that the cutoff has to be drawn somewhere - I don't have a problem with that - but it's annoying that every single headline states that 45 year olds are now eligible and nowhere does it reference this cutoff (not even on the booking site).

Just thought I would share to save any other newly-turned 45 year olds a frustrating experience!

How annoying. Yes, you'd think it would be on the booking form.

I’ve had this same trouble booking my husband’s vaccine. He had his 45th birthday this month too. I phoned 119 and they told me he was eligible, but the system was being slow updating. Therefore, it still thinks he is 44yrs old.
I was advised to try again in a few days, but I’m still not having any luck 😔.

Have you checked if your CCG offers any walk-in clinics? Frustrating for you, there's a few over in the 40s thread had the same, hopefully it won't be too long for you.

Also, some places don't have enough vaccines to do 45+ year olds, so are starting older first. My partner was told this by his GP yesterday. They are focusing on 2nd doses right now. He could drive miles away, or wait a week or so. He's waiting.

You could try your GP practice or otherwise wait, it's probably only going to be a couple of weeks or so before they move onto the 40+ age group.

It is frustrating especially as you are 45 (I am
In a few weeks) but yes they do have to draw the line somewhere.

I’m taking consolation in the fact that I was expecting it to be at least another month due to the vaccine shortage. Yet they now seem to be whizzing through the 45-50s. It will only be a few more weeks I think.

My husband is 45 (Feb birthday) and he can't book his vaccine. It won't let you book. Infuriating

This is good to know, turning 45 tomorrow so won’t be getting my hopes up

It looks like they’ve changed the nhs booking website to say you’re only eligible if you were aged 45 or over on 31 March 2021

@Florelei

It looks like they’ve changed the nhs booking website to say you’re only eligible if you were aged 45 or over on 31 March 2021

That’s definitely a recent amendment. So frustrating, but I understand they need to have a cut off date.

Same here. They advised to check the booking system again regularly or try to find a walk in centre. There seem to be pop up clinics now and then. I'm hopeful!

@Florelei

It looks like they’ve changed the nhs booking website to say you’re only eligible if you were aged 45 or over on 31 March 2021

You're right, they have! That definitely wasn't there before. At least now it is clear.

@cheeseismydownfall no that wording is definitely new!

Just managed to get my jab at a walk in centre. It's at the science museum in London. They welcome 45-49 year olds with open arms! No appointment needed.

I’ve now managed to book my husband’s vaccinations at our health centre, using the NHS website, so I hope the rest of you that had your 45th after March 30th are now able to book yours too.

I managed to book yesterday evening (not 45 until mid May) I think they opened some slots at my local centre. Gave a heads up to local friends and when they tried this morning they couldn’t book. They are a few months younger though (so July and Oct birthdays this year for 45).

I think the date was always there, or a date was. But they are only now having to say it plainly.

Keep trying, your local centre may take you sooner than the website says, depending on their specific logistics.

I do think the situation changes daily. It also depends on vaccine deliveries. My friend works at the local vaccination centre and even he didn’t know under 45s could book in.

That’s annoying especially as they’re doing over 30s in my area. I got my text from my GP (not group 6).

I think the date was always there, or a date was. But they are only now having to say it plainly.

OP here - No, there was definitely no cut off date listed when they first announced 45-49. The date was added a few days later.

I got an invitation directly from my GP surgery on Monday this week and am booked for in for Tuesday.

I'd assume the guidance will change on May 1st perhaps? Only another week.

The wording hasn’t updated yet but it has opened up access for At least some nearly 45 year olds so worth another try I think.

I meant the booking system always had a date and that now they have made it visible, are doing it in batches, probably because of logistics.

I’m 45 beginning of June and was able to book last night. DH is 42 and when he tried it said he’s not currently eligible.

It’s not too big a deal is it OP?
Thought you were eligible, found out cut off date March 31. Done.