Am I part of the 1.5 million vulnerable patients

[2Retrievers]

As I get a flu jab (asthmatic) every year even though under 65, I thought I would have heard from my GP by now regarding being in this vulnerable group. So far only a generic message txt saying nothing about being vulnerable. Has anyone on here received such a NHS txt

[twinkly29]

The NHS texts/letters are not for all asthmatics. They are for those with severe asthma or those who are deemed to be high risk of complications if they get coronavirus.

The information is here.

asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

[Wheezycat]

I have, this morning.

[2Retrievers in reply to Wheezycat]

Was yours specifically mentioning the 1.5mil - did it come by txt or letter. Tnx

[Wheezycat in reply to 2Retrievers]

No it was the one the whole nation got, or at least all with a smart phone.

[twinkly29 in reply to 2Retrievers]

The NHS texts are exactly that - from the NHS not the "UK Gov" text sent to everyone (or as Wheezycat says, everyone with a smartphone). They explain about being at risk (as opposed to the Gov "stay at home because everyone has to" texts). I received a text on Monday and the letter yesterday - obviously some letters will take longer to get to people and some won't get texts (possibly if NHS services aren't already set up for this text reminders for appointments etc).

Whether or not asthmatics get them depends on the medication they are taking, usually the levels of steroids within inhaler doses.

[Hidden]

My mum has asthma, same as my partner and my son. They are all required to have a flu jab. None have received letters so I presume they don’t have it serious enough. My mum spoke to her Dr about it yesterday, apparently with regards to asthma, the letters were sent to those who are more or less constantly on steroid tablets as these lower immunity and/or regularly admitted to hospital because of their asthma.

My son was admitted 3 times last year for a total of a month in hospital but he is ok at the moment and not deemed to be seriously asthmatic. So I guess none of them are in the 1.5million which is good news!

[Abc64]

I’ve had text messages. The first one said I’m at risk and need to shield for 12 weeks. Then since, I have had all of the other usual ones. Asthma UK website will give you some good information, as to what you should do. It lists medications as well with the information.

[Spikedog66]

Hi the text says you are at risk and to stay in for 12 weeks if this is what it says it's you. I'm sorry I can't post it but it's online. If you worried ring your Gp you should be isolating anyway. If I can help please ask. 😊

[Recordergirl]

I haven't had a text, even though I take medication listed on the Asthma UK list of dosages that puts me in the top shielding group.... Is it because I'm under a GP and not a hospital? Or is it because they are just working through millions of people and it will go out in alphabetical order or something, like a register? Until I get told otherwise I am following the Asthma UK advice anyway, which they must have put up in consultation with government/PHE?

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Recordergirl]

From what I understand it's only people in England getting the texts and letters. Even if you meet many criteria you won't be contacted. So that online guidance saying you'll be contacted by whatever date in march only applies if you live in England. At least that's my understanding of things 🤔

[Recordergirl in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Hi OK thanks, well I do live in England, so we will see.... like I said, I'm still going to follow Asthma UK advice whether I get one or not. I have saved the information so I can quote it at my employer if I need to. Keep safe.

[Slugkween in reply to Recordergirl]

I am in the exact same boat, and fit several of the criteria /am on 3 of medications listed by Asthma Uk. I’ve tried to call the GP surgery this morning and had a delightful conversation with the receptionist who blankly told me I wasn’t on the list (which I already knew) and couldn’t speak to the doctor about this ‘because they are busy’. I live in one of the most infected London Boroughs and am following the self isolation advice anyway as the last time I had the flu it led to a week in hospital and I don’t fancy taking my chances with COVID-19. Not quite sure what I’ll do if I run out of medication as because I’m not on the list I don’t have access to the help on offer.

[Recordergirl in reply to Slugkween]

That's my worry. But surely, surely, we can still get our usual prescriptions from our GPs? Surely anyone who has ongoing medication, even it is for something that doesn't put them in a high risk group because of this virus, will still be able to do that?

And yes, I would stay in, but especially if you are in a highly populated place like London. Take care and stay safe x

[Poobah]

We know from another poster that GPs can't see from their records who is going to receive the text/letter instructing to stay at home for 12 weeks.

Only those who have had hospital admissions due to asthma or who are on a high amount of asthma meds, or who have had to have serial doses of oral steroids in the last couple of years will fall into the 12 week category.

More details about the criteria can be found here: asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

[spookylou]

I am the same on 3 of the medications on the list, but not heard anything.

I don't even know if I should turn up for my Xolair jab in 2 week at the hospital.

When I look on my patient access file, I apparently don't have the jab, but I have had it for over 6 years but at the hospital.

Don't know whether to ring GP or not. Classed as a keyworker and due to work next week.

[Thomas45]

A fortnight ago I decided, when all the talk was about 16 week self-isolation, to do it.

When asthma UK brought out the list of inhalers I found my strong inhaler was on it. I doubt whether I'm one of the initial 1,5 million, but am certain that I ought to help the nation by staying at home for 12 weeks or more if necessary. I have asthma, permanent atrial fibrillation, and one or two other ailments, but generally, as long as I don't decide to run, or not get enough sleep, or forget to keep myself hydrated I'm okay. If I catch a stray infection or virus, it's a different matter. I can become very ill. So stay at home if you're in any doubt.

As for my doctors, they are super-busy but have closed their doors to walk-in patients. I've just re-ordered my prescription meds. The chemist is closed for longer than normal each day to catch up with all the prescriptions. They'll text me when it's ready. We talk of the NHS but concentrate on hospitals. A doctor I know has the virus, which puts strain on his family and other GPs in his practice.

[Hidden]

There’s no advantage to being on the “extremely vulnerable” list. We’re still expected to arrange own shopping, prescriptions etc unless we live alone & have no friends etc to help. Those unlucky enough to be in that position will get more support, but obviously 1.5m people is a lot!

Also, being on the list, I’m under no illusions about my chances of getting a hospital bed let alone a ventilator if I get ill. They won’t want to waste them on those unlikely to survive the virus. That’s why we’re told to stay indoors & not risk catching it

[Superzob]

I realise that this is a significant cause of anxiety amongst many with chronic conditions, but the fact is that these NHS texts and letters (I don't think they are using emails) could take until 29 March to be received; it must be a logistical nightmare to send all these out to 1.5m people, and it certainly could not be done simultaneously!

The current advice is, if you have not received notification by the 29th, and you think you are in the extremely vulnerable category, then you should contact your GP.

[clare86]

Give it until the end of the week.

If you have mild or well controlled asthma, you will be fine, your are not high risk.

I have multiple severe lung conditions and have had numerous txts and a letter from the government and nhs