5th COVID jab

[Peachjoy]

Hi. I’ve booked my 5 th jab online, successfully, for exactly 3 months after number 4.

Have asked GP (receptionists) for my letter of proof of ET.

They refused.

They say “from our perspective “ I have to wait 6 months, as per everyone else.

I told them what is on Bloodcancer.org.uk but they wouldn’t acknowledge it…help! Please.

[Nickthedevil]

Hi there is a letter produced by Blood Cancer Uk, which you will find on their site, aimed at at GP’s. It explains why you need the fifth vax. It also has a link to the government website where it explains the guidelines. You could take a copy with you when you get your jab. I took info from their site with me plus an appointment follow up letter from my haematologist which confirms my diagnosis and medications and had no problem getting it done. Good luck.Karen

[Peachjoy in reply to Nickthedevil]

Hi Nickthede I’ll, thank you for your advice, I will certainly arm myself with as much info as I can. It was all quite upsetting being dismissed in such an offhand manner., they weren’t remotely interested in what I was trying to explain, or even consider looking into it. It was just, you’ll have to wait like everyone else attitude that floored me.

[Nickthedevil in reply to Peachjoy]

I understand how you feel. I have had the same attitude from my GP surgery with every vaccination. Very annoying and upsetting 😡Karen

[Peachjoy in reply to Nickthedevil]

Thank you. I was wondering about using the letter designed for GP practices on the bloodcancer.org.uk website…should I email a copy to the practice manager?Would this help me, or look like I’m having a hissy fit? Don’t want a bad mark on my records!

[Nickthedevil]

By all means send them a copy for their information but if I were you I would just book the vax on line at a centre and take the letter with you. Far less stressful

[Peachjoy in reply to Nickthedevil]

I’m with you all the way with keeping down the stress levels! But isn’t it awful having to tread on eggshells all the time, trying to avoid upsets…when really I just want to scream that I never chose to have blood cancer!!!!

I have got an appointment already booked ( online) at a vacc centre. Taking this letter might not be enough? After all, anybody could access this letter from the blood cancer website…

I don’t really want to hassle the staff at The Christie hospital…

Stress!! Something we really don’t need more of! And all so unnecessary 😔

[Nickthedevil]

Do you have a follow up letter sent by your consultant after your last appointment? Mine always sends me a copy of the letter that she sends to my GP after each appointment and it states that I have ET and what medication I am on and the vax centre were happy with that.

[DC1916]

Hi Peachjoy, I am in a similar situation, if you are still just on aspirin. Did you get a letter saying you should have the additional 3rd primary dose? I am planning to take the letter saying I needed the 3rd primary as that was specifically for people considered to be Immunosuppresed along with a letter stating my diagnosis and the blood cancer UK letters. I hope it all goes ok. C

[Peachjoy in reply to DC1916]

Hi DC1916, Yes, just aspirin, for now.

I had my 4th vaccine early March. The GP wrote me a letter confirming that I needed the 4th. My problem at the moment is that the receptionist is blocking my access to ask the gp for another letter, because she doesn’t understand that blood cancer is a special category.

[DC1916 in reply to Peachjoy]

It does appear that the GPs have been bypassed in the vaccination program so maybe the hospital team would be better able to give you a letter (if there is time before the appointment). Fingers crossed you get your vaccine without any issues.

[tatty123]

Hi Peachjoy. I had my fifth yesterday.

I took along two empty boxes of my meds, which had the prescription on them, and a letter from my haemo department detailing my counts and my ET.

The centre I went to was more then happy to accept this and I got my jab.

It does say on the gov booking site that taking meds/prescriptions/letters with you should support your request.

Good luck and I hope you get it soon. 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[Peachjoy in reply to tatty123]

Hi Tatty 123, thank you, that’s a really good idea. Although at the moment I’m only on baby aspirin (which can be treatment for a number of conditions, and I’ve always just bought it. I’m living under the cloud of imminent commencement of other meds (HU), because of my age, (63 in 2 weeks time)…I’m going to look through any old paperwork…but not all of it uses the terminology’blood cancer’…

I will report back how I get on.

[DC1916 in reply to Peachjoy]

Hi Peachjoy, I had my vaccine today. I showed them the letter I have that says I have been identified as eligible for a 3rd primary dose and subsequent boosters. It is quite general and doesn't mention diagnosis (PV) or blood cancer just Re: COVID Vaccination for people with immunosuppression and statement about "a health condition that makes you eligible for an addition dose". I hope all goes well. C