Hi. Please can anybody advise?
I’ve got my 5 th vaccine (COVID) booked for Saturday. The GP receptionists absolutely refuse to give me a support letter for me to take.
They resolutely say that I must wait 6 months…protocol, etc…
I’ve given them a copy of the letter from bloodcancer.org.uk designed for gps who didn’t know about people like us…Getting nowhere and am now also getting upset.
Hello Peachjoy, ( what a lovely tag) I find that most receptionists haven't a clue , they are not medically trained, so I would go straight to the GP and present him/her with any documents you have and sit there until they comply. Sorry, but I am getting bolshy in my old age, we have to pay for any visits where I live so they should give a better service and don't be bullied by these people, better still ask the for a list of their qualifications, that usually shuts them up. Good Luck and health.
Hi Bordeauxgirl (fab! Just call me Riojagirl🤣), you are right about receptionists, however, it gets worse, they did eventually speak to gp on my behalf, and he too is not happy to break ‘ the protocol’!!!!I shall just go armed with some medical notes which prove my diagnosis.
Good morning Peachjoy, I wish you luck with your next boxing ring fight, I am just glad I live in Guernsey where we have a different system, we pay for each and every one of our visits to the doctor(very expensive) and believe me, I don't take no for an answer,most times, 'I need this or that ' is my mantra, cheeky or what! But I do have a wonderful doc, she does everything to manage my various conditions which are numerous now. I always compliment her on whatever she is wearing that day (very Glam girl/lady) and we are off on the right track. You don't get to 77 without a few tricks up your sleeve. lol. So far I have been given 5 'jabs' , we have a brilliant Director Of Health Dr. Nicola Brink, here who has led us through this pandemic safely, so we are all quite happy here on the Island. But we now are into the summer of visiting Mega cruise ships and are very cautious of what they are bringing into the Island.So once again good luck in your endeavours. x
Hello peachjoy - I by passed both GP and haem who didn’t help me at all with any of the vaccine program - every time I have gone for the extras (3rd primary dose, and the next 2 boosters) I took proof of dates of my previous ones (on the cards they gave out) - the info from the blood cancer site about 5th jabs and one of the letters I’ve kept from the hospital which shows my details, my diagnosis + the treatment I’m on (I’m quite happy to ‘argue the toss that hydroxy is immune suppressing) - having said that I had no problems at all obtaining the boosters and an explanation of my position with the booking in person had me straight through - your details will (should) already be on their computer linked to your nhs number (soz I’m assuming you’re in the uk) - good luck, but hopefully you’ll be fine. Very best Anne-Marie x
p.s. I got my 5th jab exactly 91 days after the 4th.
Well done!!! Mine on Saturday will be day 92! I will go armed like you with proof of diagnosis and the blood cancer. Org.uk letter.
It’s very important for us. As I understand (although I’m not yet on HU , but will be soon), just by having this type of cancer means that we are more susceptible. We do not have a very robust reaction to the vaccine and therefore need topping up. I haven’t had any reaction to any of my jabs so far.
Don’t worry! I booked my 5th jab with a local pharmacy. I took along one of the routine post appointment letters from my haem team which summarises my condition, meds etc. It wasn’t an issue at all since all my data was already ‘on the system’ along with details of jabs 1-4. I waited until just short of the six months since the 4th vaccine but the pharmacist said it would have worn off after four to six months so I was relieved I got in a bit ‘early’. All the best.
Hello. I had the same problem even went to the vaccine centre with letters who still refused it. Then on my second attempt with an email from my haematology nurse and with a nurse at the vaccine centre who telephoned still my doctors to confirm they done it. Such a mess. Good luck. Take care x
I didn't take a letter with me when I had my 5th vaccination. I just took a clinic letter so that I could prove I was entitled to had one....I had it done at a local pharmacy, and they administered it with no problem 3 months after the 4th x
take all your evidence to Yr appointment. We do not need a GP letter.Take Mychart if you can plus a copy of your prescriptions and something from your consultant.
I went to local chemist for 4th vacc as GP surgery slow to react and intend to attend same chemist shortly for 5th jab .
My Go surgery told me they do not have anything to do with the vaccine programme but gave me a number to ring which is the vaccine booking appointment service. I have done this all throughout the process and all I have to do is take evidence along of my condition, I have had no problems at all. Good luck.
I found writing a letter the old fashioned way in the post to head of practice got their attention, although on a different matter. Good luck
I had already long given up on my GP by the time I got to my 5th vaccine. Do you have anything that says you were eligible for the 3rd primary dose? If you do just take that along with you. Ask to speak to the Clinical Lead at the vaccination centre as they should be the most informed person there. It also helps not to call it your "5th dose" it confuses some people who don't know the ins and outs of the rules and most at vaccination centres are volunteers. It is your spring booster and it is easier to explain that you had 3 primary doses and this is your 2nd booster. Take any evidence of your medications and,if you are on Hydroxy and they don't know what it is, tell them it is a chemotherapy drug. I had to explain myself repeatedly at the vaccination centre, it was a bit stressful but they were all lovely and once I had gone through everything with them I was even rushed to the front of the queue despite being happy to wait. Good luck and just be ready to provide them with lots of evidence that you are eligible. Hopefully you will find they will be more understanding and willing to listen than your GP.
I've pretty much given up fighting. The stress and anger gave me fatigue. Made an appointment for my 4th jab myself, they refused saying I had to wait 6 months, I've waited 9 months on my appointment and finally got my blue letter! This was despite all my supporting evidence which they did read but still said I had to wait. The universe only knows when I will get my 5th!
Hi Peachjoy -I would wait the 6 months - not sure whether I will take up another vaccine until winter. Wear a mask, use sanitzier & clean your shopping etc - when you go out... Also ask your haeamotologist how your blood results are looking as that is a good indicator too..Good luck x
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