I wondered if anyone, like me, has received a text and letter recommending a “3rd” vaccine but can’t find anyone who knows how to get it?

[peppa]

My specialist nurse told me it’s my Gp’s responsiblity. My Gp said it’s nothing to do with them. My letter says don’t call 119, book through your Gp or specialist!!! Help anyone?

[suzannah16]

pretty much the same as a lot of us. I got a letter for the booster but think I should have the 3rd vaccine. my GP claims to have no knowledge of a 3rd vaccine, the covid vaccine hotline says it's down to my GP. my rheumy says GP.

[peppa in reply to suzannah16]

It’s so frustrating! You hear on the news that if you’re over the 6 month mark you don’t have to wait to be invited for your booster, yet no procedure or information for those that have been told they should have a 3rd vaccine, because they’re more vulnerable!! Then people tell me not to be paranoid about the virus! I’m sorry it’s the same for you

[peppa]

My Gp practice is still completely locked down. Only appointments for blood tests and emergencies. I called over 123 times between last Thursday and Monday. I couldn’t even get into the “you are in a queue “ part of the call system. So on Monday afternoon I walked down to the surgery with a copy of my letter. One person only in the foyer so waited in the rain. You can’t speak face to face with reception, only via intercom. All round the intercom are notes saying only for use by those checking in for appointments!! I was spoken to so rudely until a nurse happened to be returning and said she’d deal with me. I said before you tell me to speak to my specialist, I already have!! She said it was nothing to do with Gp’s, and they’ve been given no direction at all and then preceded to tell me the 3rd vaccine was the same as the booster and to try 119!! I asked her to read my letter where it says in bold writing that the 3rd vaccine is not the same as a booster and then asked her to read the section where it says do not call 119, you must book through your Gp or specialist. She looked genuinely bamboozled and asked if she could keep the letter and would arrange for someone to call me. It’s utterly disgusting!

[suzannah16 in reply to peppa]

I wish I had thought to mention my letter to the GP. I did mention the covid vaccine website. but she insisted I was mistaken and as you still can't see a GP face to face you can't even show them anything.

[peppa in reply to suzannah16]

I know what you mean. It makes it so much more stressful than it needs to be. If I hear anything I will let you know!

[Joyalinc in reply to suzannah16]

Send a fax with a copy of the letter to your GP. Then call your GP back the next day, tell him you are not mistaken and ask for him to explain the letter.

[Hidden in reply to suzannah16]

I think we are all confused, GP does NOT mean doctors are within, it means these places are old post offices that have not been fully decommissioned from GPO yet 🤣🤣🤣

[peppa in reply to Hidden]

So funny, made me laugh out loud 🤣🤣🤣

[Joyalinc in reply to peppa]

I hope you didn’t let her keep your letter!

[Hidden in reply to Joyalinc]

They probably charged for photocopying it!

[peppa in reply to Joyalinc]

No, I gave them a copy along with a screenshot of my phone showing the 126 unanswered phone calls 🤣

[Hidden in reply to peppa]

Good for you! 😂 📞 x 126

[peppa in reply to Hidden]

😜

[misty14]

Im really sorry you've had the same problem i have this week peppa trying to get your third vaccine. Its been a really stressful time for me going backwards and forwards between gp and rheumy dept as gp had no idea like yours about this!.

I rang my rheumy dept and they said they were only doing patients on subcut mtx as more vulnerable than patients like me taking it orally. Gp's should do mine. I spoke to my gp and he said they hadnt got the contract to do ours and i was nearly in tears of anger and exhaustion!. Didnt know who was going to do it!.

Then later that night the gp surgery rang me and suddenly said they could offer me an appt for it on 9/11!!. I did make sure it was for the 3rd vaccine and it was thankfully!!. Couldnt believe it!!.

Don't lose heart peppa, hopefully your gp surgery will sort something out. 🤞. Its bad enough we're coping with illness without having this added stress. Xx

[peppa in reply to misty14]

I’m so sorry you were caused all that stress! It’s unfair and unnecessary. It’s bad enough feeling so vulnerable as it is, without having to deal with all that nonsense. I’m relieved that you have a date for your 3rd vaccine. Take care of yourself won’t you x

[misty14 in reply to peppa]

Thank you peppa for your good wishes. I really hope you get something sorted soon. I couldnt agree more that we don't need the added stress of having to sort this out ontop of being poorly. 🤞for you and keep us posted. Xx

[Hidden in reply to misty14]

Excellent news!

[misty14 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Stills. It was a big relief to get an appt. Hope your coping. Xx

[Hamptons]

In my area there are walk in vaccination centres where you show the text/letter. Otherwise ring 119 and book it through the vaccination service.

[peppa in reply to Hamptons]

119 refused to book and said 3rd vaccines are being done by GPs so back to going in circles

[Chris21]

Hi peppa, Assuming you are wanting a third primary vaccine before six months after your second vaccine. if you take your letter with you to a walk in vaccination clinic, they will be able to give you the booster, which is actually the same as 3rd vaccine and then in 6 months time you should get another invite for another booster.

It is very confusing, nhs can’t even decide between them exactly how many days 6 months is! I’ve been quoted by various vaccination organisations 180 days -189 days. I’ve given up trying to book an appointment and will go to one of the walk in clinics. Good luck with yours. X

[peppa in reply to Chris21]

Thank you. I think that’s all I can do too. Certainly not getting any answers from any professionals!

[Chris21 in reply to peppa]

Thought I’d let you know my experience this afternoon. I went to an nhs walk in and was told it’s 182 days and wouldn’t do it. Then I found on fbook the pharmacy bus was outside the supermarket. So thought I’d try. Low and behold I’ve had my vaccine! And the lady behind me was 179 days and they said, yes it’s ok you’re only a day early! Left hand doesn’t know what the right hand doeth! Good luck getting yours x

[peppa in reply to Chris21]

So glad to hear you were successful. Well done for preserving! You’re absolutely right, I don’t think the left hand even knows there’s a right hand at all 🤣

[_bunty_]

Goodness me, I'm so sorry that so many people here find it so difficult to access proper care! When I received my letter, I just called my GP and the receptionist booked me in for my booster a few days later. Then I got a text from the NHS (which had nothing to do - apparently - with my GP surgery) confirming my appointment. What I would advise is to either scan your letter or take a picture of it and email it to your GP, explaining the problems you're having? It's shocking what you and others are being told. Extraordinary! I'm so lucky out here in Gloucestershire where my surgery knows me so well and seems so much on the ball. Good luck! xx

[peppa in reply to _bunty_]

Very relieved to hear that you are being treated as we all should. Sadly I have already given my surgery a copy of the letter and am still waiting. Hope your vaccine goes smoothly and doesn’t make you feel poorly. Take care

[Hamptons]

Try lying and say it’s a booster? Would keep ringing as all publicity says go through 119. GPs asking people not to call as it overwhelms switchboards and they can’t do anything.

[peppa in reply to Hamptons]

My only concern with that is will it affect getting an actual booster in 6 months. It’s how it makes you feel though!

[Hamptons in reply to peppa]

Are there no walk in centres near you? Take your letter and text. If you are entitled to a 4 th vaccine you would be called as you have been now.

[peppa in reply to Hamptons]

Not as yet. You wouldn’t believe how bad the health service is in my area. We were late to start with the first lot of vaccines and this is proving no different sadly

[tracynoe]

I had the text and letter rang my surgery and receptionist had'nt heard of thrd jab but she said she would ask the practice manager, she called back later said she had spoken to the nurses who told her to book me an appointment. I went on Saturday not sure how they would record it but the lovely nurse that did it said they had read up on the guidance and that it would be recorded as a third dose. The injection is the same it all depends how they record it so if you are offered a booster go for it the nurses seem to be more aware of the reccomendations than the GP's and Consultants

[peppa in reply to tracynoe]

Thank you. So pleased you have had yours