Covid Tests for Vulnerable People

[AndrewT]

Dear All,

I am repeating on this Forum, a 'Post' I put on the Kidney Transplant forum, regarding Covid Test Availability. Essentially these Test ARE 'Still Available' to Vulnerable People. Solid Organ Transplant recipients, like myself, automatically 'qualify'- as might many 'others' on here.

You can phone 119 but there are many 'hoops' to Jump Through, before you can Speak to the Right Person. However GOV.UK has several 'Options' that can be chosen from, which is far Easier to use- well I found it so anyway. Having Logged In, the system, Recognised me and, from there, I was able to Quickly 'request/ order' a Box Of Tests.

The System does, or so it appears, to have facility to Create An Account if you are Not already Registered. If you were Asked To Isolate, during The Pandemic, then your Details should be Available, once you Register. I would imagine, that this, Will Be Enough for you to Qualify. (Maybe 'Someone' can Comment Further on this?) Lastly can I wish, you all, a very

Merry Christmas

AndrewT

[PMRpro]

Can't comment on that aspect BUT I will comment on the unreliability of currently available NHS LFTs (or RATs, lateral flow or rapid antigen tests) when the Omicron variant is involved. My daughter tested negative on 3 consecutive days with already quite severe symptoms. Then broke out a new pack and tested again - the old pack said negative, the new one positive. When I say "old".it was recently supplied.

[AndrewT in reply to PMRpro]

I would, very definitely, make 'Someone' Aware of this Discrepancy. I believe that 119 has a Section for 'Problems With Taking The Test', the Normal 'Registering A Test' certainly does.

Sending my Very Best Wishes, I Pray that your Daughter- and Yourself- are soon Fully Recovered.

Merry Christmas, to you all.

AndrewT

[PMRpro in reply to AndrewT]

I think it is acknowledged by the experts - it is the public who put their faith in them! This was months ago, May I think. I can't tell them - 119 doesn't work from Italy. And I still haven't had Covid -knowingly at least. Hope it stays that way

[AndrewT in reply to PMRpro]

I'm, very sorry, I didn't realise you were Not in the UK PMPpro and I, really Don't Know how 'Things' Work abroad.

At the risk of repeating myself.... Can I send you My Very Best Wishes and a

Merry Christmas.

AndrewT

[citygirl1234 in reply to PMRpro]

I found similar - I’ve had Covid three times now and on 2/3 occasions, it took several days for the lateral flow test to become positive even though I had significant symptoms.

First time, it wasn’t an issue as I could get a PCR test which was positive, so there was no delay in being assessed or accessing treatment.

Third time, (few weeks ago), I had to wait for the lateral flow test to become positive which took three days.

The lateral flow tests are thankfully quite easy to order online and turn up quickly, but I worry that it adds delays to people being assessed for treatment. “Within 5 days of symptom onset” seems to be a frequent eligibility criterion.

I have had my vaccinations so each bout is becoming less severe and I do take precautions with masks etc. but the only way I can ensure I don’t catch it (or anything else) is to become a hermit, which has it’s own problems. I know I’m preaching to the choir here and far from alone in this, but it would be nice if the government could acknowledge us.

On the plus side, Evushield is now available privately in the UK if you have £1200+ per dose to spare - bloodcancer.org.uk/news/evu...

Here’s hoping 2022 brings positive news about Evushield. Merry Christmas!

[PMRpro in reply to citygirl1234]

I think the greatest problem is that those who aren't aware assume they DON'T have it so are safe to visit vulnerable friends and family. I live in Italy and we aren't treated as lepers for using the FFP2 masks that have been compulsory for much of the pandemic. I still must wear one to go into the hospital, I went to the GP yesterday (no appointments, turn up and wait) and everyone had masks on. I have been using the buses and trains since this time last year - compulsory masks then, still use mine now though most don't. I'm also picky about where I sit - in a small section by the engine and next to the door so there is fresh albeit cold air at every stop. And there was never shielding here - nor online food shopping. My husband was CEV, I had to go shopping or we'd have starved! No Covid so far!

[citygirl1234 in reply to PMRpro]

yeah, I think it’s a big problem and a large reason why it’s still going around!

I found Germany was similar in the summer - no one bats an eyelid at you for wearing a FFP2 mask. Wish it was the same here.

I’m seeing fewer and fewer masks in London and those I am seeing are mainly in “touristy” spots like Westminster. The hospital I go to only has masks required in certain areas where there are likely to be immunosuppressed patients e.g. rheumatology, so generally people aren’t wearing them. They also no longer give them out at the entrance. I haven’t physically been into the GP surgery for a while so can’t comment on that, but suspect it’s the same.

Whatever you are doing is clearly working and I hope you continue to avoid it!

[PMRpro in reply to citygirl1234]

I shall do my best! I really ought to come to the UK for a visit to the daughters but frankly - no thanks!!!! Funny though - when OH died the first comment was "you'll have to come home". Now it is "you don't want to come HERE!!"

[Varp]

I ordered online, so easy. NHS app recognised my details. A pack was delivered the next day. Take care, stay safe and Merry Christmas to all

[Suffolklady in reply to Varp]

I don’t know how you all got your packs. I an vulnerable went on the site the question says if you are going into hospital or been asked by a healthcare professional tick . If you say none of these it says sorry you don’t qualify?

[citygirl1234 in reply to Suffolklady]

If you are on the list, it’s the first option on the form (you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatments)

Screenshot of the NHS England Covid test request form

[Suffolklady in reply to citygirl1234]

Thank you I read it as being for admissions or doctors asking for a test.

[DAW28 in reply to Suffolklady]

I got the same answer when I tried.

[Suffolklady in reply to DAW28]

I did exactly what citygirl1234 suggested and it went through fine. Thank you citygirl1234 for explaining. Thank you Andrew too.

[vivdunstan Volunteer]

I've ordered many online ongoing and until recently. All I have to do is say I am eligible for antiviral treatments when I order, and it automatically goes through. No problems at all. Until recently my husband could order too - until recently in Scotland where we are unpaid carers could still get free tests. Now it's just me, but I happily keep ordering. Ordering online is fast and easy, and saves waiting on the phone or dealing with a phone person who doesn't know what's what. It's also helpful if you order online because if you test positive and need to register a LFT result to get your antivirals you already have a login set up.

[Thelmarina]

Thanks Andrew. Good to know! Have a great Christmas 🎄⛄️🎄

[AndrewT]

A Little Update...... I've been 'Testing' Like Crazy, because Covid IS 'in' our building AND some of the Staff- now 'Excluded' from our Premises- were found to be Positive.

Because of this I have Managed To Order ANOTHER 'Set' of Tests. They Should arrive in a few days- though it could Very Well be After Christmas Now. Just in case I haven't already....

Merry Christmas Everyone

AndrewT

[AndrewT in reply to AndrewT]

Actually the Test Kits arrived Today, the Twenty-Second.