Fed up with getting countless colds as I have Bronchiectasis and reading some interesting stuff about the RSV vaccine, I contacted my medical centre about getting one.
You can’t have one, you are not eligible after the age of 79 (I’m 81)
Why is this I’d like to know??
Surely those who suffer from severe respiratory problems over 79 , should be offered the chance of getting a vaccine that might just help prevent them from getting ill?
Could the cost be the underlying factor here?
I have found that one can have this vaccine privately… at a cost of £210.
I would willingly pay that if I knew it would help prevent these debilitating episodes!
( Hopefully I can now post this successfully, I tried to just now and lost it all, so I’ve had to do it all again!🙄 not the easiest thing when not feeling great….)
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Kiwiflyer8
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That’s totally ridiculous then. So why just between those ages and how did the powers that be, come to that decision?
I would love to know why, when all other vaccines such as Covid, flu, etc. are so freely available to the vulnerable , the RSV is not offered in the same way.
(Sorry to keep on about this subject but I just don’t understand. I was always under the impression that prevention was better than cure…)
I am too young to have it at 74! I am going to adk my respiratory consultant to write to my GP to give me the RSV because of my severe bronch. She did it for the covid vacc.
I know how you feel, like Swizzy I'm too young for it and in the spring I was also too young for the Spring covid booster - never mind two lung diseases and an autoimmune issue. At least they've changed the lower age for covid booster to 65. Ridiculous
I had the spring booster and I’m 47 (was 46 when I had it). I have ILD/PF and lupus and am on immunosuppressants. If you have an immune condition and take immunosuppressants you’re entitled to the spring booster.
If you didn’t get the invitation asking you for it I would contact your GP as it is them who add you to the list of immunocompromised patients in order to recieve the invitation.
I believe it’s a slightly different dose/vaccine for younger people, but you should be entitled to it.
Ah bless and thank you. I'm not on immunosuppression meds. In fact I haven't been back to docs to find out what it's about. Seeing a gp at my practice is like getting a flight to the moon. Fraught and difficult. I will pull my head out of the sand eventually. I'm very glad you're able to get vaccinations. P
I think you should definitely push for a diagnosis, even if that just means you have access to the vaccine, let alone other care.
I’m lucky with my GP. So much so that we are moving soon and will be about a mile out of their catchment, but I’m going to beg to stay with them!
With regards to immunosuppressants, they can change your life. For me it’s not been so easy, I have a rare condition with an even rarer presentation apparently, but for most people with an immune issue some basic meds can sort it. Please do look into it and find out what, why and how.
It’s all completely crazy to me. Pete is compromised health wise like most on here yet he’s not able to have the RSV jab. He’s 73 on the 11th October. All very odd I feel. Stay safe everyone. Xx
I have just read the part of the green paper regarding the age restrictions and it really does read like this is purely based on research and the fact certain people with immune issues were excluded from this testing and therefore it is an unknown insofar as the vaccine is concerned. So even though it is recognised it is bad in the elderly, over 65... the results state this restricted small age bracket. Hopefully the link to the page will work for you to have a read:
Yes I did manage to open the link and read. I understood it to say exactly what you had said too.
Perhaps testing should now be amended to include those who have severe respiratory Issues, no matter what age but I can’t see that happening in my lifetime.
FYI. RSV vaccine rules are similar, but different in the States. All over age 75 may receive the vax. Immunocompromised over age 65 may also receive it.
Nothing is “free” however. The vaccine is covered by govt/private insurance, which is costly. For me at age 75, I pay $275 per month for private insurance, plus $185 for the basic, underlying government Medicare insurance. (For that amount of money, I can see any doctor or specialist that I choose.)
Wow, that's more than my income here in England. Whatever do hard up people do in America? Terrible. Those who can afford it here also have private health insurance so can use both private medicine or our National Health Service - the NHS which is free but long waiting lists.
Kpacific: I'm the same age as you, live in the US, pay the same Medicare premiums plus a drug plan. The cost burden is high, but in the past year I've had two COVID vaccines, one RSV, one flu shot, the latest pneumonia vaccine, and the 3 shot vaccine for hepatitis.
I got an email yesterday from NHS saying I would be contacted by GP but don’t hold out much hope. I can arrange to have my flue vaccine anywhere it’s offered so why not this one and be able to book by phone or online?
Doesn’t make sense. If Covid and flu vaccination program covers those with increased risk due to certain medical conditions, not age, just an example COPD. what makes the RSV vaccine different criteria (apart from the cost?)
Absolutely!! I’m in the middle of a rotten flare up of Bronchiectasis and can’t help wondering if I’d been allowed to have RSV jab, it would have helped prevent it…..
hi there, it’s sounds like discrimination to me, but not working in the medical world I don’t have the knowledge! However I am aware that that since Brexit, we are having great difficulty getting hold of certain medicines. So it could be that! NHS have always used preventitive measures as a way of keeping the nation fit and well.
I would suggest phoning and talking to the gp about it, I am sure you would benefit from the conversation, or at least not feel rejected because of your age. Make the call to go or 111 now before it gets cold.
Also why not try some natural remedies? It might help.
You are worth it, just remember that you have got to your age because you are brilliant and a problem solver.
Ok I think it is a good idea to write to your MP, it’s empowering. Whilst you are unwell, perhaps focus on reading books, watching films or chatting with family and friends on whatsapp . But most of all keep being amazing!
Well it's a crude way of putting it and Im certainly not wanting to upset you or anyone else. It actually came from my 80 yo friend who was outraged and eventually got a jab from a pharmacist. It is well known that we more expensive to treat and maintain in reasonable health than any other demographic and there must be an awareness, even if unconscious, in government, now and the previous one, that withholding .important jabs, defunding winter fuel payments etc etc could result in more deaths than if these were provided.
Why else is the outrage in this thread happening? We need proper care. This may be removed for being too political (small p!).
I know you are right, and accept the”women and children first” mentality, it is just hard to hear! We also live in a world where we do not have the choice to end our lives when we so choose.
Anyhow next time let’s debate something more exciting and laughable, like why are love songs the best songs!
Hi Kiwiflyer, just to let you know Pete rang our surgery today and we’re both having our RSV jab on Saturday. I’d pursue things if l were you. Pete’s 72 and I’m 71. Xxxx
Yes that’s what I thought Jane. I don’t understand the thinking behind 75-79 as many are vulnerable who are younger and older. It’s crazy! We have grandchildren so it’s imperative Pete is protected. To have me, his carer, protected too is a necessary bonus. Xxx
I’ve got 4 different lung conditions and an immune deficiency, but I’m “only” 72 haha. I might ask my surgery for advice, IF I can get through to them. It’s so much trouble though. Your surgery sounds good x
I have just been offered the RSV Jab because of my age, seems range is between75 to (Recently turned 80) That's in the NHS e mail I got. However it goes on to say, surgery will ring when it's time to have it. So really it's seems up to GPs discretion. xx
It seems that the only way to get it if you aren't eligible is to get the consultant to ask them to do it. I have no fear of leaning on mine to do these things.
hi to you l have just had my rsv l am 76 ...l had a text prior to ask if l would like to have it due to health issues and copd ...no after effects at all but it is also given only between 75/79 ...l have no idea why the age stops at 79 though ?
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