Covid vaccine - not registered with a GP

[Rillington]

One of my DC's friends is not registered with a GP. They tried to book their vaccination appointment today and it won't let them. They are going to uni in September so don't want to register with a GP at home first. Is there any way they can get the vaccine?

Why dont they want to register with a GP ‘at home’ first?

How have they gone their whole life without having a GP?

I think they moved here 5 years ago and never bothered to register. I don't know why they won't register here first it would be easier.

Where do they live? Some places are doing walk-in clinics for those without an NHS number.

Find a walk in the ones here say anyone over 18 can attend and do not have to be registered with a GP.

It's really easy to swap between GP surgeries, my DD has done it. Transferred to uni GP, had operation there, during lockdown back home needed further operation under local GP referral. Kept our local GP as she needed a more involved operation and wanted it here where could recover with us, that happened - lots of dressings and support needed during which she and had to move out of uni accommodation and uni GP supported her for the week.

Thank you. They rang 119 and they said it wasn't possible.

Need to find somewhere doing a walk in.

Vaccinator here. Even in our walk in clinics, you need to give gp details. Not my advice, but could just give the name of a local one, we don’t check in our area.

They need to register with a GP as soon as possible (Monday), then they can book a appointment to have the vaccine.

When they go to Uni they can fill in the same form as everyone else will be and transfer to the GP nearest to the Uni they are at.

It's pretty simple. No need to do complex system avoidance manoeuvres.

Dd (19) is at uni in Scotland but her academic year has ended. Although she was registered with a GP in London she moved to one at her uni and can’t book a vaccine down here. Very annoying.

Even if you aren't registered with a GP you should have an NHS number, unless you weren't born in this country or have never had any form of medical intervention. The centre I work will vaccinate people who aren't registered with a GP.

So long as they have an NHS number they should be ok? My OH isn't registered with a GP and he was able to book through the National Booking System using his NHS number.

We have an exchange student staying from France who had her first vaccine in France, but will be due her second whilst here. We were told she needs an NHS number in order to be vaccinated (and to get that she has to register with our GP) if on the day you don't know your number you instead provide details of your GP and address which gets matched to your NHS number.

In theory you could go to a walk in and provide details of any GP, but then it wouldn't be linked to your NHS record for the purpose of any future vaccine passport.

Thank you. He has an NHS number. I don't think he has any support from home so I was trying to help. He tried booking online but it wouldn't let him.

Where are they, OP? In London this weekend, they are holding walk ins for any over 18s at 3 football grounds. There may be similar set ups elsewhere.

We are in Coventry. I'll have a look to see if they are doing any walk in clinics here.

They need some sort of solution to this for people without NHS numbers or GPs so people like street homeless and illegal immigrants can be vaccinated.

You only really need to be registered to book. Even then having an NHS number should be enough.

It does not prevent vaccination. Of course there is a work around, for vulnerable groups like the homeless and asylum seekers. They can even vaccinate overseas visitors if they want. Or at a gp hub register your friend temporarily.

There are lots and lots of walk-in and pop ups. Although registering with a GP would be the sensible thing to do anyway.

@Kendodd

They need some sort of solution to this for people without NHS numbers or GPs so people like street homeless and illegal immigrants can be vaccinated.

They have it. Which is why 100,000’s of people have been vaccinated without an NHS number or documentation.

You won’t be able to book but there will be a walk in clinic somewhere- go there and if they say no ask to speak to the dr/pharmacist in charge.
Round here (surge testing area) they have definitely made provision for non registered people in walk in clinics. Have been actively advertising as such.

@HeReWeGoAgAiN1112

Vaccinator here. Even in our walk in clinics, you need to give gp details. Not my advice, but could just give the name of a local one, we don’t check in our area.

It varies depending where you live.

For example, south east London CCG is doing walk in clinics this weekend for over 40s and clinically vulnerable. No GP registration required.

It's normally quick and easy to register though. Or register as a temporary patient. You can do that for up to 3 months.

www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/

If he knows where he is going to be living at university he can register with a GP up to three months before he moves there using his address.

He can then get vaccinated, or he can use one of the walk in services for people in his position.

He should also consider his MMR vaccination as well.