Can I just warn everybody who has not been given their second covid vaccination to phone 119 and book it.
Firstly, Stef phoned as he hadn't been given a date only to find that they had spelt his name wrong on the system. He was told he should have been vaccinated same time as me as my unpaid carer. He was given his date for his first jab in Stockton and the second in Darlington.
Everybody I know has been given their second vaccination date so I phoned 119 to find out when mine will be. The lady told me they are asking everyone to book their first AND second dates at the same time. This was not what they said when I had my first jab at North Ormesby, I was told I would be contacted with a second date.
Everybody I know has been given their second date so I phoned today and was told that the only available date anywhere "local" within the 12 week period from my first jab was York, a 40 mile drive so I have had to take it. So please, if you don't hear about your first jab, or your second jab then please phone 119 to sort it out.
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jillydabrat
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It seems chaotic Jill! I’m sure all this has come about when the Government in their wisdom cancelled the 3 week second jabs to 12 weeks in spite of Pfizer saying their vaccine hadn’t been tested for efficacy if 2nd jab not given in 3 weeks. I have my appointment for 2nd jab on Thursday which is 6 days short of 12 week First one was 30th December. I wrote to local MP and also G.P and Prime Minister at the time, but to no avail! NOW they’re saying people with blood cancer, mentioning MPN’s SHOULD have had 2nd vaccines (if Pfizer) in the 3 weeks! Bit late now! They don’t even know if we’ll be protected. Might only be a small percentage of antibodies. I hope someone can bring this to the attention
of the powers that be and at least give the blood cancer patients who are in middle of waiting time their 2nd jabs immediately. This is ridiculous you having to go to York! I only got to know my date a couple of weeks ago when G.P’s phoned me. John had his first with me and has also got Thursdays appointment. Surely you should both get yours at North Ormesby. Is it your GP who is organising it? regards Fran xx
Hi Fran. Can you tell me where you found the information saying "people with blood cancer, mentioning MPN’s SHOULD have had 2nd vaccines (if Pfizer) in the 3 weeks".Thanks
Hi Catherine, I read the article on Blood Cancer.org.uk it’s entitled “Does this new study mean Blood Cancer patients aren’t protected by the COVID vaccine.”
It’s worth reading whole article to get the whole picture. Sorry I don’t know how to transfer Web links onto here but if you go on Google for Blood Cancer UK you should find the article. I have read the same thing elsewhere over last few days but can’t remember which site. I’ve saved this one on my iPad. Kind regards., Fran
Hi again Catherine. The most informative article I found was crick.ac.uk. Title:”Delaying second PfizerBioNTech dose could leave cancer patients with insufficient immunity.” It gives much more information. I hadn’t saved it but found it again. Regards Fran PS it’s Of course.
Hi It would be great if you could share confirmation of this as I was the phone to gp yesterday and they wouldn’t budge saying that we will be contacted at week 11! I am so frustrated with it all! I have 2 young kids at primary and thank god for lateral flow tests as already 3 kids tested positive and now isolating! I am having to test kids which is awful but gives us all some reassurance! No sympathy from my go at all - I’m finding all this quite upsetting to be honest! Would be great if you had confirmation that jvci/mp turnaround on this! My second jab not due if do wait until 16 April latest which means they will still be expecting us to shield well into May I reckon! Thank you
Hi Becky, I’ve replied to DC1916 about the article I read on Blood Cancer.org.uk You should get my answer (above) if not I’ll write to you with it. JVCI are only supposed to be “discussing “ turn around at the moment! No definite decision. By the time they make their minds up we’ll all have had the 12 week wait anyway!! Regards Fran
I know exactly what you mean! I think for everyone shielding they should have stuck to the 3 week rule - i just think as a result our shielding will not end at 31 March - i feel a bit more confident after my first vaccine and my husband now vaccinated too but with my kids going into school every day and the positive cases already this week it just makes me more nervous. I don't want to take them out of school again as they are so happy about being back with their friends and having their routine again. I feel like they have asked for so much and we have followed the guidance and rules for so long but now feel like my mental health and wellbeing really taking a battering! x
Hi Becky, I really understand how you feel. It must be difficult for you as the kids have to get back to proper routine and schooling . At least with the testing for school the Virus can hopefully be well controlled. We must just try our best not to worry. I go for my 2nd jab tomorrow, it will be exactly 12 weeks next Wednesday since my 1st . I have ET JAK2+ and am 85. Keep safe and smiling. Fran
thank you so much! and hope it all goes well tomorrow! Just think you will be bursting with antibodies by April! 😀😀 I also have ET and JAK2+, diagnosed at 24 years old and now 42, take care x
Hi Becky, I’ve just found the more informative article that refers to delay in 2nd vaccination in Pfizer. It’s on crick.ac.uk Title:”Delaying second PfizerBioNTech dose could leave cancer patients with insufficient immunity. I hadn’t saved that one but it was the one I was thinking about when I wrote on here. It’s of course. Regards Fran
Hi Azalea, hope you don't mind me asking. What are you're thoughts on Easter. Will you get to see your family at all. Not sure whether to meet up for a walk with them, not seen them for some time. Obviously miss them but don't want to get it wrong now that we hopefully are getting things more under control.Regards Rose x
Hi Rose, I think Easter is a bit too soon, much as I’m longing to see my family. Both sons and families don’t live near us. One lives near Nottingham and one in Skipton, both a 2hour drive so would mean staying over. My husband and I had our 2nd jab last Thursday so maybe when we’ve built up some antibodies (hopefully) we’ll think about end of April. Haven’t seen Nottingham one since last August and other one last October. It’s difficult making decisions, isn’t it. Regards Fran x
Hi Fran, Thanks for your reply. I'm very similar, my grandson is 3 hrs drive away in Surrey. My daughter was asking if they could come up for Easter for a couple of nights. Firstly, you shouldn't stay over anywhere at the moment. But saying "that it is too soon" doesn't always go down well. But I just don't feel confident enough yet. Like you thinking end of April or May.
You are definitely correct in saying that it is hard making decisions. But we have come this far not risking anything now.
There appears to be at least two different systems running the NHS online /119 (booking both first & second vaccinations) and the GP (where you will be contacted) probably due to the GP not knowing when the vaccine will arrive.
I am defo going to ring 119 today - had a pointless call with my gp yesterday who wouldn’t budge on getting Pfizer earlier and insisted they will ring me at week 11 - now on week 7. I am gearing up to send a question to Matt Hancock when he is next on tv as the chance of us coming out of shielding on 31 March is nil - I really think they should have stuck to the rules for us shielders and since the results of the blood cancer trial has come out even more so. I was told yesterday they are only sticking to the 3 week rule with patients on immune suppressant treatment with cancer - I am not sure interferon is in that category and if so they don’t seem to think it is! I asked about antibody tests after both jabs and she basically said well you can buy them if you like! I have a call with my consultant next Thursday so will be asking questions again. I will see what 119 say take care x
In our area if you have been vaccinated via the GP service, you get contacted for your second date. If you are using the NHS letter or 119 for your first booking, you go to a different set of centres and your get your second appointment when you book your first.
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