I just saw this on sky news site.
"People who are eligible for community COVID treatments as they are at higher risk of getting seriously ill - these people will be contacted directly and sent lateral flow tests at home to use if they have symptoms"
Thanks to the GOV for letting us know, and so late in the day. It's not all that clear if we are getting the test free, and doesn't actually make sense to get an LFT if you HAVE symptoms. Link under here.
If you have had the red box pcr you are still going to get the lateral flow tests. My husband's arrived in the post a couple of days ago.
Sadly many of us haven’t. Tried to get one but….
I had some posted to me the other day.xxxx
I managed to get some through the website last night just in case I don’t get some sent automatically.
I will expect my box of lfts to arrive some time next year then if its like how everything else is organised.
I've had a letter to say I'm on the list but that's it.
I received mine x
I received mine a few days ago. It appears to be the same people eligible for treatment. It’s only for use when you have symptoms, and not for using to check visitors are free of covid. I’d imagine it’s 119 you would contact if you believe your eligible and don’t receive a box. I was surprised the over 75s weren’t included.
I am surprised over 95s aren't included! My mum has never been eligible for anything despite her advanced age!
Actually 119 said I was not eligible…but I have just received a box of LFTs..I think we will just have to pick our way through whatever new regulations appear….& act accordingly.
I think anyone over 80 and on Rtx should be given the red box. I know you’re as fit as a flee and careful too, but you’re still having your immune very much depleted.
Actually I spoke to one of the rheumies today & he said even though I have no antibodies he thought I should still have the 4th vaccine…..I’ll wait until the time comes & speak to my rheumy……but I still think I’m experiencing symptoms I had from the first two AZ vaccinations…so I’m in no hurry have another jab, nor to gulp down anti virals.
There is no 100% right way to carry on, so I think doing what I am comfortable with is the only way to go….some you win…..some you don’t.
Yes, you go with your gut feeling and what seems the safest for you. I’m still told to shield until at least after my 3rd primary dose (June) and then test for antibodies.
If you have the 4th vaccine/your 1st booster and you didn’t have any antibodies or low response to that then you should be eligible for Evusheld (if the Gov ever order any!!) and that would give more security/freedom. I’m certainly going to talk about Evusheld again with my immunologist in May.
Understand how after your really bad reactions you don’t want to have any more of that, but yes, it may be worth seeing if a 4th works (maybe a different vaccine to what you’ve had?) and if not, then you tried 4 times and then should be eligible for Evusheld.
Hia,
It sounds like from what everyones saying we are talking about one box of 7.
I was thinking more long-term and whether we will get them free going forward?
I just read an article in the BMJ……saying “there really should be one list of patients vulnerable to Covid” Genius….🥵 …..so why haven ‘t all the very qualified BMJ Members got started ?I should have thought 2 years was enough time! Also just read all 80+ are included to receive free LTF’s after 1/4.
If there is a list of 80+ of course!
It just makes you wonder what those who make decisions in the NHS have been doing for the last couple of years.
You will need a positive result from a LFT to get referred to the CMDU …..who will then confirm a diagnosis with a PCR.Symptoms of Covid can be just like the common cold…so some proof will be needed …..if a lot people who only have a cold take up time being tested it could mean someone who is really in need of treatment is delayed or even completely misses out getting help.
So well worth getting a LFT Kit….somebody said on here yesterday they are already on sale for £2 in Tesco….could be the best £2 ever spent.
The CMDU did not wait for confirmation before I had the antibody infusion it was from LFT to infusion about 8 hours so I'd wonder if they are going to stop PCR's as the mobile testing stations around here are being removed. I don't know but if GP's can authorise it or the Covid at Home ward then eventually the infusions can be done in community facilities rather than the hospitals.
I too was prescribed Paxlovid (antiviral) by the CMDU just on the result of my lateral flow test.
But you called your GP didn’t you….& with your kidney condition they presumably went ahead on GPs clinical say so?
Don’t you think people who will be phoning probably won’t even have a compromised immune system they will just have the sniffles?
You are probably right though about not expecting to be able to get tested ……until after the 5 days....I’m still glancing at the paper…… and it does say across-the-board …..not mentioning any particular sector ….that if you have any of the published symptoms “you should stay at home and keep away from vulnerable people” ……waiting 5 days to see if the symptoms fade.Dah!
In a way you can see their point…but they don’t live in the real world do they? I think a lot of people with colds and sniffles will be on that line saying they’ve got symptoms……which once again throws up a complete conundrum…..because everyone and his wife will think that 5 day wait doesn’t refer to them …..so they won’t have bought a single LFT …. Which is presumably what the government are hoping will happen …….but will be phoning whoever they decide to phone and we’ll end up back where we started in another big muddle.
If only the Gov could appoint someone who really understands how unsure how most people are…& that person composes a clear understandable declaration of what to do…even including if you haven’t bought a single LFT…..don’t expect to get officially tested before day 5 maybe ?
But that of course won’t happen…..so we all stay wondering.
I also got the call about the antivirals just based on my lateral flow result, about 8 hours after I'd registered it online.
I received a box of LFT's through the post this morning.
The LFTs I ordered online arrived today. My postman said the local office has lots to deliver in the next few days!
So order NOW online if you don't already have a box of LFTs at home and know you are immunocompromised or have been notified by your Rheumy, your GP or NHS England/Scotland/Wales/NI that you may be eligible for antivirals.
For whatever reason I didn’t order the ones I received this morning Lola, they were just sent to me. That's not to say I wouldn’t have tried ordering some had they not! 😉
That's good they were sent to you automatically.
I was just concerned in case other people were sitting waiting to be sent some and they don't come. So I thought it best to post so people know they can still order online, if they're very quick!!
Yes, a heads up is always handy. I've no idea how many are being sent out, but the early bird & all that.
Yes, thank you for clearing that up, as many ppl have said they received some in the past few days, and I was left wondering whether that's bcz they ordered them. As some ppl who have tried to order haven't had any luck getting them delivered. It seems like some are just getting them without ordering. Once again an idiot(confusing)move by the GOV.
I've been fortunate with each vaccine & receipt of kits. Someone somewhere is on top of it, just beggars belief that others more immunocompromised than me aren’t receiving the same consideration.
I can't get any at all and I have covid atm😩
I had an email this afternoon and tests arrived last week. It does make sense now no more PCR's but meds from positive LFT but only the government ones. Ones bought won't be used to access treatments. "The UK Health Security Agency will send you one pack of lateral flow tests by 12 April. Only use them if you develop symptoms. If you run out, you can order more from gov.uk/order-coronavirus-ra... or by calling 119.
You can use any lateral flow tests supplied by the Government. Tests bought from a shop cannot currently be registered via GOV.UK or 119 and you will not be contacted about treatment if you test positive using these tests.
If you were previously sent a PCR test you can keep it. You might be asked to take a PCR if you receive treatment from the NHS."
Hope that makes sense.
Hia,
Yes, thanks that makes sense. I'm not holding my breath as I probably won't get the email or any test based on past history. I do get some letters eventually it's hit and miss in my experience.
I don't think I've had any emails tbh, just letters. I have my 5th vax at the weekend so hopefully won't need tests or antivirals.
TBH I wonder if there is a sort of hidden list of people they know haven't had a good vaccine response. I know in my case its probably more likely to be CKD rather than the RA but the antibody infusion was brilliant.
Message from Rhuematology, COVID-19 treatment, for Portsmouth area.
Can you still take biologics if you tested positive for covid?
Hoping someone can recommend a rheumatologist who believes you can still have RA even though inflammatory markers are normal.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TREATMENTS FOR CORONAVIRUS 
Never too old to Rock.. but can get sent home from work!!
