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Original poster

Has anyone been able to book their Covid booster?

128 replies

ShirleyPhallus · 13/12/2021 11:22

Been trying for about an hour, getting a “you’re currently 6472 in the queue” message, then it cycles between NHS number / DOB / asking if I’m immunocompromised. Once I managed to enter postcode to check covid centres but then crashed again

Just wondering if anyone has been able to do it?

OP posts:
ajandjjmum · 15/12/2021 13:06

@RedHot22

Nothing from her GP. I check her texts regularly.

Virtual queue not moving now they’ve opened it up to healthy 18 year olds Hmm

Fuck the elderly eh

But the elderly have been able to book for weeks. No-one would disagree that they should have been priority - as they were, but it needed to open up to all.
RedHot22 · 15/12/2021 13:16

But the elderly have been able to book for weeks. No-one would disagree that they should have been priority - as they were, but it needed to open up to all

We’ve been trying for weeks - nothing

Peaseblossum22 · 15/12/2021 13:17

Just ring 119 and book

RedHot22 · 15/12/2021 13:18

[quote Peaseblossum22]@RedHot22 can you try from a different IP address , I’ve just fine my other son and was only in the virtual queue for 10 mins, it’s not area specific until you put in the personal details[/quote]
Thanks. I’m managing to get through after a while but there’s still none that are doable

RedHot22 · 15/12/2021 13:19

We live in a City, not rural

Peaseblossum22 · 15/12/2021 13:20

Our first offer this morning was 9.00am on Xmas morning

ajandjjmum · 15/12/2021 13:21

@RedHot22

But the elderly have been able to book for weeks. No-one would disagree that they should have been priority - as they were, but it needed to open up to all

We’ve been trying for weeks - nothing

That's shocking. Can you say whereabouts you are in the country - maybe someone will have some local knowledge?
NMC2022 · 15/12/2021 13:22

I'm waiting for a text. Mine isn't due until 24th jan as it's a 4th vaccine

gogohm · 15/12/2021 13:26

@RedHot22 the booking system was easy until a week ago. I don't understand why you waited until 8 months she became eligible 2 months ago - we simply went online and booked as did my parents

Original poster
ShirleyPhallus · 15/12/2021 13:26

@RedHot22

But the elderly have been able to book for weeks. No-one would disagree that they should have been priority - as they were, but it needed to open up to all

We’ve been trying for weeks - nothing

Can you set your alarm for the middle of the night and try then? You’d easily be able to get an appt logging on at 2am (though not pleasant at the time!)
OP posts:
fruitpastille · 15/12/2021 13:27

Just rang my gp and I can go along this evening any time between 4 and 8. It's clearly not a fair system.

Slipperoo · 15/12/2021 13:28

@RedHot22

But the elderly have been able to book for weeks. No-one would disagree that they should have been priority - as they were, but it needed to open up to all

We’ve been trying for weeks - nothing

That's your fault, plenty of things you could have done to try and resolve it.
furballfun · 15/12/2021 13:32

I got through the online queue in about 10 minutes (fine), only to discover that there is nowhere in my city (of about 150,000 so small for a city, but not tiny) offering either walk in or bookable boosters; I'm being asked to travel at least 10 miles, which seems nuts; many people here don't have cars or the time to travel. I'm waiting to see if they open somewhere local - I had my two previous vaccines locally, so it should be possible.

RedHot22 · 15/12/2021 13:49

[quote gogohm]@RedHot22 the booking system was easy until a week ago. I don't understand why you waited until 8 months she became eligible 2 months ago - we simply went online and booked as did my parents [/quote]
It may have been easy for you to book.

Maybe you don’t work full time
Maybe your DM can walk
Maybe you were offered vaccinations nearer than an hours drive away.
Maybe you knew that Omicron was about to hit.

@Slipperoo
That's your fault, plenty of things you could have done to try and resolve it

You have no idea what I have or haven’t done.

PurpleDaisies · 15/12/2021 13:50

Lots of people with access needs have found booking a jab with appropriate support an absolute nightmare. Threads all over twitter.

RedHot22 · 15/12/2021 13:51

Thank you @ajandjjmum

I don’t want to disclose really and have asked lots of local family and friends, including those who work for the NHS.

Babyroobs · 15/12/2021 13:56

Tried to book for my 2 grown up sons at between 1am and 2.30 am this morning but just got error messages. Tried at 8.30 this morning and got in the queue, it said something like 10, 000 in the queue but went done quickly and I had booked them both in within 10 mins at a local centre. The appointments are not until Jan 8th though. they may try walk in centres but hard when they are some distance away and one doesn't drive and the other is working full time.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 15/12/2021 13:57

My DS( 27) booked his at 12.30am for 28th December.

rosydreams · 16/12/2021 15:30

finally sorted on a Saturday but a 20min drive i say that's a fine compromise terrible distance but wonderfully convenient day

succession · 16/12/2021 15:35

Woo! 31 weeks pregnant and got my booster today.

Feel a little better about things.

Anyone know when it starts working? I've now had three doses of Pfizer

ifonly4 · 16/12/2021 15:43

DD (20) tried on the GP link that was sent on Tuesday, but couldn't make the two dates on offer (as student abroad and needs to isolate on return). Tried the NHS booking system, the only appointments are a ten minute walk down the road - very lucky!!

SparklingLime · 16/12/2021 16:04

@succession

Woo! 31 weeks pregnant and got my booster today.

Feel a little better about things.

Anyone know when it starts working? I've now had three doses of Pfizer

Some protection at day 7, maximum at day 14. (UKHSA tweeted a graph)
Whammyyammy · 16/12/2021 16:11

Had my booster booked for mid jan, went online Tuesday and cancelled and rebooked it for today.
Went at lunchtime, hardly anybody there, 6 people in front of me. 2 army lads gave me my booster and said its been quiet all day.

RedToothBrush · 16/12/2021 16:24

In fairness to redhot I do know of numerous people in their 40s and 50s who struggled to get bookings nearby to where they live in a prompt fashion with younger people in the same area able to get appointments before them. I have one friend in his late 40s in central manchester (no car) who has found it more difficult than most.

And it has been reported in the press that there is a particular issue over people with mobility issues not being able to access boosters generally. Part of this is down to during GPs who did it before not doing housecalls this time around and some of the more local clinics having been closed.

This isn't an isolated issue for one person being somehow 'lazy' or not 'trying hard enough'.

Its an accessibility issue.

gogohm · 16/12/2021 16:29

There's much increased availability from yesterday, here in my town they are doing walks ins until the 23rd including all weekend - whereas i struggled to book locally a month ago when I was due.

The queues here are short but in the nearby city I would advise taking a camping chair! 5 hour waits are being reported

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