CEV & LFTs - you might be eligible even if you think you're not

[TypicaIMe]

I've recently had covid and was told that the rules had changed in the last few weeks, and that I was no longer eligible for antivirals (despite having been sent a priority PCR and a letter saying I was). I was really worried when I heard that only those eligible for antivirals would get free LFTs as I have to test regularly (I'm immunosuppressed).

I had a go at ordering this morning, just to see... I answered the eligibility questions honestly and lo and behold, I am! I'm so relieved.

If you're CEV and thought you wouldn't be eligible, have a go.

(I have RA and am on methotrexate/have steroid injections, eligible for three primary doses of vaccine plus booster)

Bump for anyone who might need to see this!

Thank you, my husband is CEV, I will get him to check when he gets home later. He's had a letter from his consultant saying he eligible for antivirals, so fingers crossed!

Thanks for the heads up TypicalMe I’ve just managed to order some.

I’m down to my last LFT never received information about antiviral treatment (recently come off Pred but still on MXT so possibly why) and COViD has hit my household. I am the only one who hasn’t had COViD as well. How do you know if your eligible. I just said yes to the question and I’ve ordered them but that was the only question: are you eligible-anyone can say they are?

@Messedupdelight

I’m down to my last LFT never received information about antiviral treatment (recently come off Pred but still on MXT so possibly why) and COViD has hit my household. I am the only one who hasn’t had COViD as well. How do you know if your eligible. I just said yes to the question and I’ve ordered them but that was the only question: are you eligible-anyone can say they are?

I think they must have some info on you if you've signed in using your NHS account - it's the same one I used to book my vaccines so they know that I really do have RA, for example.

I'm afraid I'm going to order a box every three days for a couple of weeks - I'm worried they're going to change the rules with no notice again, and I want to make sure I have enough to last me a couple of months if and when they do.

You might well be eligable for anti virals with RA. The criteria have narrowed extensively but immunosuppressed are included and RA is specifically mentioned.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-care-and-treatments-for-coronavirus/treatments-for-coronavirus/

Sorry just noticed you were turned down for anti virals.
There must be some discretion at work by clinicians.

@TypicaIMe thank you. DH has a form IBD and we’ve ordered a box through his NHS account as well. I have also ordered some through Boots (paid for as I’m happy to pay if I don’t qualify) to cover myself just in case 😂

I think they are sending lateral flow tests to people who are eligible for covid treatments (relative received an email stating this yesterday). You don't have to order them. The email stated that the government ones have to be used in order to get covid treatments (if eligible) rather than the ones you can buy in the shops.

@MossyBottom

Sorry just noticed you were turned down for anti virals. There must be some discretion at work by clinicians.

I don't think there's much clinical discretion. There are some conditions where everyone is eligible but mostly it depends on specific treatment. Even if people have received a letter it doesn't mean they're definitely eligible. They will get a phone call from the covid treatment unit if they test positive and they decide whether the person meets the criteria.