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Covid Vaccine Autumn 2023

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7
101 Replies

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone received a notification from the NHS SMS service inviting people for a jab? I have not heard from them and see that others have not received notifications. I have have booked my jab for this Thursday.

If NHS has stopped sending sms for jabs, they should really inform us.

Hope everyone is well this autumn

JJ xxx

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JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7
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101 Replies
helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7

I got an SMS last Thursday telling me I can book my Covid vaccination

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7 in reply to helenlw7

I’ve now had a second one plus an email!

peege profile image
peege

No not yet, nothing from NHS. My texts are always from my GP practice as they have been since covid vaccinations began. In my experience the NHS notifications did arrive but quite a while after GP practice texts each time. In my town in Gloucestershire all the gp practices have joined together to obtain supplies of vaccinations to offer in a timely manner since the beginning. I received my practice text a couple of weeks ago with the link and have my jabs on Friday 29th.

It's a bit of a postcode lottery.

in reply to peege

Our 6 practices do this and I have been left out every time .

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to peege

Yes...a postcode lottery. I guess this demonstrates different practices across the nation. I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect the NHS to continue sending vulnerable people reminders as in the recent past.

Have a look at your messages on the NHS app. I have never had a txt or email for any of my jabs but my daughter suggested that I look at my messages on the app and low and behold there it was ! I found a site near me and am going today. Alternatively if you qualify and I guess you do. Go on to 'book a vaccine'follow the instructions and book it.

peege profile image
peege in reply to

Thanks Littlepom (so lovely to 'see' you). I do use the app for appointments, repeat scripts & check messages from time to time (they're always excuses on why the practice is appalling). I will go on now and checkNow I think about it, the NHS invitations were by letter as well as text- long after I'd had my vaccination. I'm off to the local fire station on Friday for mine.

I do hope your health improving ××

in reply to peege

Slowly but hopefully surely. My practice told the group that I am housebound but as I haven't heard I am taking myself today. Just hope I make it. Never had an NHS letter for it. I am a bit concerned at putting yet more strain on my over active immune syatem but on balance more scared of catching covid. Good luck with yours.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to

It seems that there are different experiences across the country regarding notifications. I have not received a Covid jab reminder from any source. I am hoping people will not miss out! The lesson for me is to always be proactive. I am a bit worried about housebound people and those older people who do not have mobile phones or computers.

in reply to JJ_7

So true!

maisied profile image
maisied in reply to JJ_7

I booked my covid booster on NHS website last week easily without waiting for an invitation

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to maisied

Good! I have booked mine at the local pharmacy.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to

Hi Littlepom. I do hope you will receive your jab in a safe and timely manner. Good luck. jj xxx

in reply to JJ_7

Thank you.

peege profile image
peege in reply to

I won't say take care because I know you will, good luck. There's plenty of covid about, I dont think people realise and carry on willy nilly. Just had a text from my chiropractor cancelling today's appt, she's tested positive today 🙄 No msgs on my NHS app

I always think of you when passing signs to your town on the A46 & wish you well 💐

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

We heard last week but have already booked covid and flu jabs for this coming Sunday. Glad you’ve sorted yours for Thursday. Xxx

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16

I haven't had any notification but went for the booster yesterday. Feeling awful today which has surprised me as last 3 boosters didn't affect me at all. All have been Pfizer.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to CDPO16

Hope you feel better soon. jj xxx

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16 in reply to JJ_7

Thank you xx

in reply to CDPO16

Blow it! I am supposed to be going to the theatre tomorrow for the first time since I was hospitalised for 12 wks in May. I hope I don’t react

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16 in reply to

I hope so too LP. I have just had a visit from one of my Hospice at Home nurses and she wondered if the vaccine has been tweeked again to cover this new variant. I've never reacted to Pfizer before. Good luck xx

in reply to CDPO16

My daughter’s friend is in charge of vaccs at her surgery. She told her that the new vaccine which contains two variants was not ready in sufficient quantities until late october. Because of the increase in covid the govt decided to press ahead with the single vaccine to get the more vulnerable covered. I had flu and covid (pfizer) today so fingers crossed I can go to the theatre tomorrow.

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16 in reply to

Interesting, thank you. Don't know why I feel crappy then but hope it soon eases. xx

Coolcat6103 profile image
Coolcat6103 in reply to CDPO16

Yeah it's a totally new vaccine. The ones you took last time are no longer being used. You should have been informed I take it you weren't. It's definitely a new vaccine.

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16 in reply to Coolcat6103

Nothing was said by the vaccinator.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to

Good luck from me too x

BronchyBronwen profile image
BronchyBronwen in reply to

Isn't that always the way?! If you go (or have been), I know you'll be sensible enough to wear a mask the whole way through. It's what I do when I visit local cinema here. Personally I wear only the FFP3 mask. And clothes as well! Hope theatre visit good.

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725

Haven't received one yet? probably won't have this one anway ive had 4 of them so that's enough.

Turnipgirl profile image
Turnipgirl in reply to Yumz199725

I have had 4 as well!

If they write to me and ask me to go then I will go and get the jab.

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply to Turnipgirl

That's good, how did the last one make you feel that was the worst one for me it was a double dose of 2 vaccines together and I felt soooo ill the next day was terrible good thing is it only lasted one day. I think I will have another one if Im invited to.

Turnipgirl profile image
Turnipgirl in reply to Yumz199725

With the last one I had it felt like I was coming down with flu the day after I had it but I soon got back to my usual self!

They told us in Wales to wait for an invite through the post in due course.

peege profile image
peege in reply to Yumz199725

Just ask to have them on separate days Yumz, covid can still be very nasty for us and there's a lot of it about right now with people being hospitalised

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply to peege

I've already had my flu jab I just don't know ow about the covid jab. But I also don't wanna get it and die 💔

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Yumz199725

I am not sure when enough is enough. Although there is a cumulative effect, the protection offered has a short life span. I have had 4 but will certainly have this one too.

Turnipgirl profile image
Turnipgirl

I was under the impression that they write to you asking you to go for a jab at a certain date and time myself.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Turnipgirl

I think it is best for you to book in now and not wait for an invitation. Only if you need it...it is not compulsory ;) xxx

Turnipgirl profile image
Turnipgirl in reply to JJ_7

Here in Wales they tell us to wait to be written to for an appointment in due course which is fair enough.

Last year after I had my course of help b jabs I had to have a blood test to see if I had antibodies from the jab and they messes up my arms trying to dig for blood and I had gone back to the pharmacy and one of the young trained pharmacists was disgusted with the mess they had made of both my arms and had advised me to put in a formal complaint and had said to me how blood tests aren't mandatory and why didn't they just ask me to go back another day and how everyone gets bad days!

At the doctors the trained phlebotomists have no problems getting blood out of my arms.

Bevvy profile image
Bevvy

I’m afraid I decided to be proactive. I contacted the chemist I previously had jabs at and went today as a walk in. Had both Covid and flu jab. This is my most dangerous part of the year for infections, so am keen to receive any inoculations available.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Bevvy

Good! This is my most vulnerable time too.

Patk1 profile image
Patk1

Hiya.mine sent me sms and I had flu + covid jabs last wk - I chose to have in separate arms.ive b fine,just usual sore arm few days x

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Patk1

I guess you mean your GP surgery sent reminder.

Patk1 profile image
Patk1 in reply to JJ_7

Yes x

garshe profile image
garshe

Yes received ours a couple ofweeks sgo from NHS. Giving both flu and covid together.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to garshe

I guess this demonstrates different practices across the nation. I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect the NHS to continue sending vulnerable people reminders as in the recent past.

Digger0 profile image
Digger0

My surgery is giving Covid jabs at the same time as the Flu jab, and sent SMS to people telling them this. I have mine tomorrow and my husband had his on Monday.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Digger0

I guess this demonstrates different practices across the nation. I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect the NHS to continue sending vulnerable people reminders as in the recent past.

Digger0 profile image
Digger0 in reply to JJ_7

My husband had his NHS reminder this morning g!

Makingmebetter profile image
Makingmebetter

Good morning

I’ve received texts from my GP surgery this time and not the NHS as on previous occasions.

I’m booked for 14th October as needed to wait a month after a cortisone shot in my arthritic knee.

As same for Flu vaccine I’ve decided to just go to the walk-in a week or so later as really don’t want both together.

I haven’t heard anything from any friends if it is original or new vaccine currently being given locally (Kent), so hopefully by mid October it will be standard for updated version, but tbh feel need protecting in some way so wouldn’t wait longer as already had them regularly every 6 months and even this will be a few weeks early .

Good luck everyone and hope we don’t have too much of a reaction this time round as usually only very tired next day and the tender to touch arm..

LindaR xx

Bevvy profile image
Bevvy in reply to Makingmebetter

Just to mention that unless things have changed you need to wait for 2 weeks if decide to have vaccinations separate from each other. Ie Covid jab then wait 2 weeks for flu jab.

I have had both together and apart from a sore arm have been fine.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Bevvy

I think 7 days should be sufficient. However, thank you for reminding me. Thought you might be intersted in the link here:

huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/...

Best wishes JJxxx

Bevvy profile image
Bevvy in reply to JJ_7

Have looked at article but I remember last year that we were told if had any jabs less than 2 weeks before couldn’t have Covid jab. When I went for my jab this time I was specifically asked again by the doctor if I’d had any recent jabs.

2013mayo profile image
2013mayo

They contacted me regarding the flu vac and my doctor’s contacted me re the covid jab. Just looked at my inbox and NHS contacted me for both vacs.

Pippydo profile image
Pippydo

I received my invite through NHS SMS and by email and by the nhs app so going on Friday, I do agree with some of the other replies seems to vary according to where you live, I’m in Nottinghamshire. Hope you sort your booster out!

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Pippydo

I have thank you. I guess this demonstrates different practices across the nation. I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect the NHS to continue sending vulnerable people reminders as in the recent past.

bluedolphin2 profile image
bluedolphin2

I had 2 texts, one from surgery and another from NHS England.Can also go on the NHS web page, put in your NHS number,then they check to see if you can have one.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to bluedolphin2

I guess this demonstrates different practices across the nation. I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect the NHS to continue sending vulnerable people reminders as in the recent past.

AngieB72 profile image
AngieB72 in reply to JJ_7

Odd though as it came from national NHS rather than local health authority.

AngieB72 profile image
AngieB72

I’ve had a text message and an email. Not booked in yet though.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to AngieB72

I guess this demonstrates different practices across the nation. I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect the NHS to continue sending vulnerable people reminders as in the recent past.

Numptybrain profile image
Numptybrain

I’ve just recovered from Covid which I got as an inpatient, first time ever! I have pleural effusion , bronchiastasis to mention a few , I’ve only ever had the normal Covid jabs no extras

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Numptybrain

I am sorry to hear. Hospitals are dangerous places !

Tykelady profile image
Tykelady

I got a text from the NHS this morning at 8 am but had already booked both via my surgery.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Tykelady

Good :)

Mooka profile image
Mooka

I got my message via the NHS app. I had my jab yesterday but wish I’d waited for my doctor. We sat in a hot airless room with about 50 other vulnerable people for 40 minutes waiting for the jab. I won’t be going there again.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Mooka

Dont blame you. At least you received a booster invitation..

Dumba profile image
Dumba

Hi, I never get a letter, I had to phone for covid and flu jab, tomorrow! Terrible system. This is my Spring vac!

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Dumba

NHS has been very inconsistent with information .

Badbessie profile image
Badbessie

Got a text for flu & COVID vaccine. However having avoided COVID for two years I now have tested COVID positive three times since Christmas 22. I have been told I cannot have a COVID jab now for six weeks.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Badbessie

At least you had an invitation!

Me64 profile image
Me64

I really don't understand what's going on at my doctors surgery. As a person over the age of 65 and with COPD I asked if I'm due vaccinations for any of the following... Covid, Flu and Shingles. Their answer, "No!" 😱 Thinking now that I should simply go to a chemist and ignore what my doctor says. 🤔

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Me64

I think you should book regardless!!!

Me64 profile image
Me64 in reply to JJ_7

Well, just spoken with my 72 year old husband who says the same thing, so we're off to the chemist this afternoon to make arrangements to have these jabs. I know sure that I'll feel more comfortable knowing I'm fully vaccinated and so will he. 🙂

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Me64

Good :) xxx

Tykelady profile image
Tykelady in reply to Me64

My NHS invite said I qualified because of age (81) no mention of COPD

Rabbithearted profile image
Rabbithearted

I had a text from NHS.. My husband uses the NHS app and he was messaged on that. We had our booster on Friday (Pfizer). Only reaction, we both had a tender and aching arm for a couple of days. Having our flu jabs on Friday

colourpassion profile image
colourpassion

I recently found out that the GP's (Scotland) are not doing them any more. I went on NHS help line and managed to book Flu/Covid on 6th Nov. I really wanted it sooner as i'm heading off on a long trip to India in Nov. No notification of change!!

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to colourpassion

Good you managed to book.

PAP48 profile image
PAP48

I received my NHS notification yesterday but my surgery had got in 1st so having both Covid booster and Flu together in a couple of weeks!

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7

Good :) xxx

Handel profile image
Handel

We had a text from our GP for both covid and flu jabs. We had our covid one last Saturday and have the flu one this Saturday. Hope you get sorted out. Best wishes. Jan xx

Cruise1 profile image
Cruise1

My wife just went online and booked ours.

ladygigger profile image
ladygigger

I got a text last week from the NHS to get the covid jab as I'm autoimmune due to another condition (polymyalgia rheumatica, or PMR). I made my appointment (for this morning) via the NHS app for it to be carried out at the pharmacy in the next village as I've found that he's much gentler than the doctor! As I have PMR and have been on high dose steroids I only have to look at (or brush against) something to get a huge bruise, lol. I also checked whether I'd be able to have the flu jab at the same time and then got my other half (who's just turned 65 so is also eligible) to book in straight after me.

Jabs were done at noon and so far not much reaction, both arms are fine although I am quite sleepy - although that may be due to steroid insomnia from last night, lol!

I've since had an email (once again from NHS) to remind me to get both jabs.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to ladygigger

Glad you are receiving notifications . Hope you are feeling better soon. :)xx

Collienut profile image
Collienut

I've not had anything either, I asked at GP surgery when I had my flu onr and I'm listed as consider for a COVID jab, but odd after being one of the first in the queue before shielding ended. Did I suddenly become less likely to be seriously ill? Was told to try a walk in centre but the nearest is over an hour away and not a nice drive. I'm gonna go into the pharmacy that are doing them next week and ask if I can have it. 🤔

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Collienut

Yes.....ask at your pharmacy. Good luck :) xxx

Morrison10 profile image
Morrison10

Having heard nothing from my group practice, my daughter looked on line, booked and we went to local surgery with pharmacist and had both jabs immediately on Monday afternoon, Pfizer and flu. Some side effects now but worth it. Good luck everyone. Jean

Roysieboy profile image
Roysieboy

Hello JJ. I have just received notification from NHS about booking my autumn booster although I am having it done on 9th October. So they are still doing the notifications in south east. Keep well. 👍🤓

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to Roysieboy

Good to hear :) Keep well xxx

Jollj profile image
Jollj

I too was wondering similarly, out of interest I visited the NHS website procedure, my appointment us 10 40 tomorrow.

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7

Good. Keep well :) xxx

Oscarpebbles2021 profile image
Oscarpebbles2021

Hi yes, my husband got an e mail bout covid and flu jab. Mine came 2 days later. Think the covid is in age groups so depends. My brother in law, is, older than my sister and got his e mail a few weeks before her.

crafty21 profile image
crafty21

I asked at my GP today & was told that I would get a text message when I should book for covid… Dr has no control over it. 💜💙 good luck my friend.

Alberta56 profile image
Alberta56

I heard today (Wednesday.)

watergazer profile image
watergazer

hi. I received a message on the NHS app then I received a text message days later. I was covid jabbed a couple of days after the app message. X

smwdorset profile image
smwdorset

Hi I had a sms from my GP ( I’m vulnerable and also over 65)

They wanted me to book in for a

Vaccine miles away and three buses away so i went online to nhs.uk and booked from there at a local pharmacy

All very easy !

smwdorset profile image
smwdorset

Sorry I

Meant the u jab is supposed to be intramuscular not subcutaneous so you will get more of a local reaction. !

horseygirl_0103 profile image
horseygirl_0103

ive had mine Ive now had 8 covid jabs in total & my latest flu jab

Ive applied & got approval for all my doctors appointments to be conducted at home & that includes blood tests

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7 in reply to horseygirl_0103

I hope you stay well. Thanks for your reply. Best wishes JJxxx

bunnycaramel profile image
bunnycaramel

I have had 2 notifications but dates are no good as I had covid 3 weeks ago and availability is up to 30th September so too early for me

Timberman profile image
Timberman

Mine is next week along with my flu jab. Usual service for us vulnerable.

ostiad profile image
ostiad

I've had two.

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