| Topic: | Getting to those falling through the vaccination net | |
| Posted by: | Raymond Havelock | |
| Date/Time: | 21/01/21 11:20:00 |
| There are quite a few very elderly simply falling through the net on vaccinations. If you know a neighbour particularly on their own it might help to check that they have had some form of communication and are not confused or unable to respond correctly. If you have a basic mobile phone ( which is very common in with over 70's) you will get a text message to call your GP. They will then call you back and take basic details for your suitability of the vaccine. (Sometimes texts come via audio texts on a landline. They are usually very hard to follow and understand.) GP practice can then set your appointment up for you and text you or call you with date, time and location. For this you do not need a smartphone or be online. But. If you only have a landline, you must call your GP and any other vital service and stress this to them so there is a clear note recorded to ensure you are either contacted by a person via landline or get a letter. Oddly many of the letters are being sent to over 80s inviting them to book online and at a location up to 45 mins away ( not including traffic deviations or volume) Completely housebound residents are being kept completely in the dark as are their regular District Nurses and Carers. If you know a housebound non ambulatory resident ( and a great many are hemmed in by LTNs and are completely unknown. Check on them and make sure that their GP knows that cannot be transported. A wrong assumption is being made with algorithm based data that a Housebound person can be transported. This has led to some being assumed to be refusing the vaccination by not being able to respond or having not stressed being totally unable to leave home. I noticed on BBC Breakfast how two spokespersons ducked and dived in avoiding questions about this very situation. It would be far better to either say they did not know or that the logistical issues are not resolved. Transporting the Pfizer Vaccine is still a huge problem. A proper explanation would be far better, even if it's not particularly positive. |