Can you get exemption from covid test?

Does anyone know if it is possible under some circumstances to get exemption from a covid test? My 30 year old son with a learning disability would simply not tolerate the invasive nature of the test, so this potentially means we would not be able to travel abroad - not that we intend to in the near future.

[Jofisher]

Call your g p surgery or speak to Mencap helpline,

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello Hidden

I believe that there is some more travel information due out today from the government. But it is likely to more about the green list for summer holidays.

I will ask our policy team if they know anything more.

Best wishes

Sarah

[Sarah_Mencap in reply to Sarah_Mencap]

hello again

There was some new guidance at the end of last week. Here is the link to it - gov.uk/guidance/travel-advi...

It doesn't cover exemptions - apart from to say you need to check what the rules are where you are travelling to. This means you might need to do one thing when you leave the UK, and something different when you come back.

It does say that even for green countries a private covid test will be needed. I found the BBC webpage about this helpful and clear - bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-5...

We don't know if any guidance about exemptions is due out. I will post on here if I find out anything. For now it is probably a matter of checking the guidance as it comes out.

There are some great posts on here. I hope they help and reassure a little.

Best wishes

Sarah

[XEX416S]

Would he tolerate a nasal spray? Our local hospital is offering a nasal vaccine for people with learning difficulties- not sure when it is available but might me an alternative option.

[Hidden in reply to XEX416S]

Thanks for that, but he has had his vaccines, it's the test that's the issue

[XEX416S in reply to Hidden]

Oh sorry, I misread your message. My son has to have the lateral flow test every week before he goes to respite...the staff are very good and stick the swab up one nostril as quickly as possible, they don’t do the throat swab.

[1946timmy]

My 44 year old son who is Autistic and struggles with most things medical did manage the test at the beginning of the year I’m afraid he did swear at the young guy testing but it was over very quickly. We did all test positive and luckily had it mild. Obviously I understand your anxiety of having to test.

[Runragged2000]

My 80 year old LD sister has a fear of everything medical related. Has had no teeth for 50 years as she had to have all of her teeth out due to a gum infection, wouldn't allow anyone near her mouth to try to measure for false teeth. Won't allow chiropodist near her feet. Allowed first, and only blood test, with much encouragement at 79. Received first ever injection in January 2021, the Covid-19 vaccine. However, has allowed five LFT's to be carried out and is now quite the expert. I was very wary that she would allow this at first but with encouragement it has become familiar and not feared. I was wary of it myself but I have one every week now to allow visits to my sister and it's fine.

The LFT's are freely available to have at home. Would getting a supply of these and letting your son get familiar with using them regularly in a non threatening environment with the family help?

[Sarah_Mencap in reply to Runragged2000]

Thank you so much for sharing this. It is wonderful to hear that your sister is able to cope with the tests.

[Iolo in reply to Runragged2000]

Thank you for sharing your sister’s story, she is inspirational! I have been struck by how so many people have overcome their fears and achieved things they did not think possible. I am sure it’s in part because of the caring, protective and encouraging support of people like yourself.

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