Confused about eligibility for free lateral flow tests

[Mall]

in the early days of covid I was eligible for free lateral flow tests and covid anti viral treatments. My GP says that this no longer applies. I take the biologic Benapali and 25 mg of Methotrexate. The NICE web site indicates that those with inflammatory conditions on biologics are eligible. My GP is not very helpful and is dismissive.

Does anyone who takes Benapali and Methotrexate receive free lateral flow tests and have a letter about there eligibility?

[Gillybob19]

I get free lateral flow tests on Abatacept and Methotrexate but I also have severe asthma amd type 2 diabetes. I'm not sure which of those qualifies me, sorry.

[Cutes]

Hi, I am on methotrexate and fortnightly Imraldi (Anti TNF) injections. I asked about this at my local, large, branch of Boots, at their pharmacy and the very helpful chap said, 'yes, just bring in some evidence, i.e. letter stating what meds you are on'. I went back a few days later and took my last post appoinment summary letter and the last letter I received re Covid shielding (ie. the ending of shielding) - that letter clearly stated i was deemed to be at risk. The pharmacy assistant just filled out a form, copying down my NHS number, name etc; in fact, he barely looked at the letters I had shown him, other than to copy down the above details. He then happily handed me over a box of 5 tests.

Because of having to take several tests recently due to having a cold and having attended a family wedding, which resulted in many attenders going down with Covid, I had nearly run out of tests again. I went in to a smaller, more local to me, branch of Boots and they said they didnt give out free tests anymore to those who were deemed medically eligible. I tried at my local (large) Tescos pharmacy. They were happy to oblige, although clearly the pharmacist hadnt much experience of doing it, given that it took him a while to find the relevant form and he seemed to record more details on it (from the evidence I showed him), than the person at Boots did. In fact I got the impression it may well have been the first time he had issued one! Anyway, I think its definitely worth a try if you can get to a large branch of Boot, or if you have a big supermarket nearby which has a pharmacy in it. Just to note, afterwards I googled pharmacies that will issue free lateral flow tests for those at risk and a comprehensive list came up (interestingly though, excluding the smaller Boots branch that had told me they didnt offer that). Good luck with tracking one down - I think you should be eligible, despite what your GP told you. Sadly, I have learnt that one needs to be very pushy these days to break through some of the NHS barriers, but it is worth it!

[KittyJ]

I got free tests recently from Boots, just had to fill in A short form with some info and they gave me a box of tests. (Also on Benepali and mtx) I showed my last letter from my rheumy on my phone as evidence

[HappyD34]

Hi, yes , I’ve just had my flu and covid jab at the pharmacy and she said I qualified as I was immuno suppressed . She didn’t ask for any evidence but she can link up to the NHS portal . I’m in England , Wales may be a different matter. Good luck

[B3ntl3y]

afternoon

No I never got any free flow tests I had covid

I was ok but now longer take mtx couldn’t stand how it made me feel

[Pebblescat]

Your GP is incorrect. If you are immune surpressed (which is all biologics) then you are entitled to free lateral flow tests as you are in the extremely vulnerable category. You would also need anti virals if u have covid. Try NHS 111 to ask for advice as your doctor seems unaware of the correct help available for you. Which would be a problem if you have covid. I also think it says on the NHS site what the criteria is for free flow tests. So might be worth finding that and showing your GP. Also if you have a letter that’s says you are extremely vulnerable, take that to your next GP appt. Good luck

[Pebblescat]

adding to my previous reply. In most cases you need to get lateral flow tests from a pharmacy. You have to take your NHS letter confirming you are in the vulnerable category, which you should have or get to ask you to come for Covid jabs. Then go to a pharmacy. Fill in the form and they will give them to you

[Cat-E]

Can I just ask why you get LFTs? Is it to give to other people to see if they have covid (so they can stay away) or do you just test yourself regularly to see if you have it?

[Mall in reply to Cat-E]

Hi Cat E , it’s So that If you develop symptoms of covid you can test yourself and if positive and eligible you can apply for anti virals. Those who are immune suppressed and catch covid are more likely to develop severe covid requiring hospital admission; essentially it is to save the cost to the nhs of filling beds by identifying those who require antivirals and saving lives. It’s certainly not about routinely testing twice weekly or giving visitors to test themselves.

[Cat-E in reply to Mall]

Ahh, ok, when I said testing regularly to see if you have it, the antivirals were what I was thinking of, I thought you had to start them within a day or so of catching it which was why I thought regular testing would be needed.

[Jackie1947]

What do Dr's know? . Yes you are entitled to free covid tests. Go on NHS web site and follow the link. . Collected mine from local chemist with proof of medication and auto immune disease.

[Mall in reply to Jackie1947]

Thanks, I have done this and the chemist said yes I am eligible but they have run out. I need to go back next week to see if they have any😩

[Jackie1947 in reply to Mall]

🤦