2nd jab, would you do 600 mile round trip?

[Neome]

I moved 300 miles between vaccination doses. My second jab is due in 2 weeks and I have an appointment in my previous area.

My new GP may offer me an appointment but I’ve not heard yet.

My child is starting school part time next week after over a year of not attending. I would have to take them with me if I did the 300 mile and back dash.

I felt really rough for a couple of days after the first dose but fortunately had support and no need to drive so I have to anticipate the possibility that I’d have a similar experience.

I’ve been extremely cautious due to my medical vulnerability and my child’s disability (ie I’m a ‘parent carer’) but didn’t request to be on the official shielding list. I’m keen to be fully vaccinated asap.

Should I start making arrangements to do the trip, request absence, hire a vehicle or wait and cross my fingers or what?

Advice really appreciated.

Have you tried to change it on the nhs website where it says manage my booking or call 119 to try and get something nearer.

I would at least try and change it to a local venue. However, please remember if first jab was AZ, then second dose should also be AZ, same with Pfizer, etc.
I say that because where I live, some venues (hospital) offer the Pfizer jab, and other venues (vacc centre in High Street), are doing AZ.
(I understand the reason is that Pfizer requires facilities to keep at very low temperature)

I would ring the booking line (119) to explain and rearrange for a closer appointment

God no, that sounds like madness.
Contact your new GP or turn up at a centre at the end of a day as an 'extra'

No I would see if you can book a second one online closer and cancel that one. Or try new GP or 119.

Absolutely not. As above, try to change online. If not possible then call your GP and let them know when your 12 weeks is up or call 119. You should be able to get an appointment closer to home.

@Mindymomo

Have you tried to change it on the nhs website where it says manage my booking or call 119 to try and get something nearer.

Exactly what I was going to suggest.

It would be madness to do a 600 mile journey for a 5 minute vaccination appointment when there is bound to be hundreds of locations closer to you.

It sounds like it could be easily solved.
I don’t imagine they expect you to go 600 miles.
All you have to do is raise the issue and explain.

Thank you wonderful Mumsnetters, my first jab was booked through a completely different system to what there is now and with the move I haven’t got my head round the current system at all. But you have and I really appreciate the information obvious though it might seem to anyone who knows already.

I will do as you suggest, thank you 💐💐💐

I'm in a similar situation (only a 150 mile round trip). You will be able to get an appointment in your new area, you probably won't be able to use 119 if you had it at a GP hub and you will have to cancel the other appointment before you get offered a new one. The advice I was given is to call the GP to chase if I haven't heard by the start of week 11.

My DH had his first one via GP and I booked his second one online but he was awaiting a date from GP so maybe different if you already have a date may need to cancel that one first. If you are changing an appointment online it asks for a booking reference. I would just go online and see what you can do and if not call GP or 119.

If you do book online copy the screen with the appointment on as the e-mail system isn't working well. But the appointments are booked if you get a reference and you can phone 119 to confirm if worried. My e-mails are up the spout though took 3 days to come through and it sent me 8 vaccine appointments but I went online and it is only 2 I have.

Go on to the national booking system and use the manage my appt button or ring 119 and change your appt.

Your record will have your vaccine details to make sure you are booked to a centre that offer the same vaccine.

When you change your GP your new GP will have the details, but you don't have to change GP to change appointment

If 119 can't help then ring your new GP and I am sure they will sort things since the recommendation is you need your 2nd jab by 12 weeks.