Booster/3rd primary

[Ferret18]

Morning everyone

I received a letter from my rheumy dept yesterday.

I’ve attached photo below. Had to do a separate post for 2nd photo as I could t figure out how to attach 2 photos!! 🤣

Glad it’s all being sorted out.

[Ferret18]

2nd photo

?

[MadBunny]

Yes I got exactly the same one yesterday. I had 'booster' last month as I was invited to have one- I hadn't heard from the rheum dept so assumed I wasn't eligible for 3rd primary- seems I was . I've e mailed them to see what they suggest.

[Runrig01]

Seems to me like a rheumatologist who can’t be arsed to check which of his patients is eligible, so has sent a standard letter out, putting the onus on you to check and organise. NHSE had told specialists and gps that they should have offered a 3rd primary dose by the 11th of October. My rheumatologist did similar at the start of the pandemic re shielding, if we scored higher than 3 we should shield, however no one was added to the government list, because of the way it was handled. I don’t work but for many who did it was a nightmare as they weren’t receiving the official government letter to shield, but met the criteria. All because the rheumatologist couldn’t be arsed.. It was left to my gp to do that. Your rheumatologist should be contacting your GP, who will then contact you. This risks some patients missing out because they don’t want to be seen to be a burden.

[Ferret18 in reply to Runrig01]

I’m not complaining and think it’s helped as I’ve been able to see why I’ve got to have the 4th jab.

It’s probably a way of saving time. I think my rheumy has been working on other wards to help during the pandemic.

Something about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes!

[Runrig01]

I never said you were complaining. I’m well aware of the pressures of working in the nhs. I was a nurse for 34yrs, many of them as a ward sister on a busy trauma unit. We all have teams who were relocated to help during the pandemic, yet most managed to follow NHSE guidance. However they took an oath to keep patients safe and do no harm, and to keep their patients waiting 3.5 month for a vital 3rd vaccine to reduce their chance of serious illness from the virus is unacceptable. The NHSE guidance sent to them, set out clearly their responsibility to contact the patients GP re the 3rd dose, and to have offered it by 11th October. It really shouldn’t be the responsibility of the patients to score themselves then take the form to convince their GP. I know many people who would just not bother because they don’t want to be a burden. Also some patients take meds because the dr prescribes them, but have no understanding which category they come under to score correctly, which may result in a different total than the health professional would have reached. I have so much praise for the staff in the nhs, and the risks they face. 2 of my colleagues spent a month on ventilators, at the start of the pandemic and still haven’t been able to return to their roles. However to leave vulnerable patients, those most at risk to this virus, without their 3rd dose is negligent, and should have been a priority. Sadly I also know someone who died fighting for their 3rd dose having mounted no antibodies to the first 2 AZ vaccines, and I’m sure there will be others. Stay safe, and hope you get your dose soon 🤗

[Flinda]

I too had been waiting for the 3rd Primary letter from my GP/Hospital and, in the end (a week ago) went for a booster. Then, 2 days later, the letter arrived.

Now I'm confused - do I go for the 3rd Primary as well?

I asked my GP today - their response = "The vaccines given for 3rd primaries and boosters are exactly the same".

What can I say? I'm even more confused!!

Just decided to continue to shield as I've no confidence in anyone knowing anything with regards CEV people.

For me, Christmas is cancelled, again. I'm so upset, in tears.

We have been left behind with regards information and care.

My kids think I'm being irrational and are taking my self isolation personally. There's no mention of us in the media so they think I'm being paranoid.

But, to me, the risks are still there and are still high.

The whole country thought it was over and back to normal and view us as a barrier to them getting on with things, with building resentment.

This is definitely the worst phase of the pandemic for me. It's brought out the worst in people.

I've never felt so alone - and I usually thrive in my own company.

This is so hard, mentally.

[Ferret18]

I’m sorry you’re finding it so tough, especially at a time of year when it should be happier. I’m going to chase the GP tomorrow as they should have received the letter I sent by then.

Take care