Too old for RSV vaccine

[Kiwiflyer8]

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….)

[helenlw7]

I rang my gp to enquire, and apparently, at 68, I’m too young, even though I have a compromised immune system, asthma, bronchiectstasis and ILD!

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to helenlw7]

Good grief!

The window of actually being able to have one must be VERY small then!

The ones who get these vaccinations are probably those who are fit and healthy .

I thought my age was a deciding factor. 👵

Poor you, as soon as you hit the correct age ( if there IS ONE 😆) go for it!!

I’ll just return to the scrap heap…..😉

[helenlw7 in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

I was told it was 70!

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to helenlw7]

I think someone just makes up the numbers!🙄

[helenlw7 in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

Apparently it’s for 75-79 year olds

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to helenlw7]

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…)

[Ergendl in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

It's probably some form of NHS rationing as there isn't enough stock to vaccinate everyone.

[Pachira in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

I’m glad at 75 I decided I was done with their shots except Faslodex!

[Topgunele in reply to helenlw7]

I got the same response, I have COPD and Asthma. GP surgery has advised criteria for RSV vaccine is for pregnant women and over 75’s 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Swizzy]

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.

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to Swizzy]

Good luck 🤞🏻

[Q-owl in reply to Swizzy]

I'm in exactly the same boat. I was going to contact my asthma nurse.

[Swizzy in reply to Q-owl]

I think that only consultants have the right to go against the rules

[Q-owl in reply to Swizzy]

I'm in exactly the same boat. I was going to contact my asthma nurse.

[peege]

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

[BrigidsFire in reply to peege]

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.

[peege in reply to BrigidsFire]

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

[BrigidsFire in reply to peege]

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.

[peege in reply to BrigidsFire]

I'll do my best, thank you ×

And good luck with your move!

[sassy59]

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

[AngieB72]

At 52 I’m too young for a variety of vaccines, so I carry on being safe indoors!!

[gillianTS]

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:

acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aa...

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to gillianTS]

Thank you for that Gillian.

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.

[Kpacific]

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.)

cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-cli...

[peege in reply to Kpacific]

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 in reply to peege]

Hi Peege, I have one of the most expensive plans for retirees. Low income seniors receive govt assistance. K

[omeomi in reply to Kpacific]

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.

[Cruise1]

Even if eligible for the vaccine apparently you have to wait for GP to contact you. How long will that take?

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to Cruise1]

Mmm…. Forever?

I wasn’t ever contacted even when I was at the ‘eligible’ age. Good luck. ☘️

[Cruise1 in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

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?

[Topgunele]

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?)

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to Topgunele]

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…..

[Wheezes]

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.

Take care and hope you get a resolution!

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to Wheezes]

Oh bless you Wheezes for your kind comments 🤗

I have spoken to my GP and she is adamant that she cannot give me the vaccine because of my age and government rules.

All I got was a link to a site the Health Security Agency, showing guidance information for Health Care Practitioners on RSV vaccines.

It is quite interesting.

gov.uk/government/publicati...

Had I been younger, I would have tried to pursue the poor decision made about the age limit with those involved.

When feeling better, I will write to my MP.

[Wheezes in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

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!

[Coughingalltheway]

This retired pharmacist agrees with you about it being cost related:

pharmaceutical-journal.com/...

[O2Trees]

It's a cull of the elderly to save money - disgusting

[Wheezes in reply to O2Trees]

Oh no please don’t say that!

[O2Trees in reply to Wheezes]

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!).

[Wheezes in reply to O2Trees]

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!

[sassy59 in reply to O2Trees]

I often say to Pete that nobody cares because we’re elderly Jean. It’s terrible. My sister feels the same.

Take care xxx❤️

[PEnotGymclass]

Tell them you are pregnant 🙂

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to PEnotGymclass]

🤣🤣🤣

[LiveSalt in reply to PEnotGymclass]

Even if you're a bloke!

[sassy59]

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

[janedivney in reply to sassy59]

Respect to Pete for wangling that, hooray!

[sassy59 in reply to janedivney]

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

[janedivney in reply to sassy59]

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

[sassy59 in reply to janedivney]

Hope you get through to your surgery as you should have the RSV jab. Good luck to you xxx

[Ern007 in reply to sassy59]

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

[sassy59 in reply to Ern007]

That seems to be it Ern. I’m pleased our surgery is happy for us both to have it. Good luck to you. Xxxx

[Swizzy in reply to sassy59]

Yey well done. You know what I nag on about being vociferous in sourcing our needs.

[sassy59 in reply to Swizzy]

They messaged us the day before Swizzy and said we weren’t eligible. Oh well. Xxx

[Swizzy in reply to sassy59]

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.

[janedivney]

Strictly speaking only ages 75-79 are eligible gov.uk/government/publicati....

[armstrong2]

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 ?