Forum Topic

Booster jabs

Our surgery have not been in touch despite it being beyond 6 months since the second jab.I have tried calling but their lines are extremely busy NHS online won’t allow me to book unless We have received an invitation to do so although from their stated criteria we are both eligible from age and vulnerability.Are there boosters being given at the Health Centre at present and when?I am somewhat concerned as all our friends and eligible neighbours have now received their jabs

Elizabeth Ross ● 918d86 Comments

Jayne, how about recouping the £1.5 billion given to private hospitals for Covid beds that were never used?

Stewart Jones ● 905d

There are various walk in clinics. If you Google you will find CP house Ealing  and Queen Mary’s Roehampton

Sandra Taylor ● 907d

here's the latest: walk-in sites now offering coronavirus booster jabs across England without appointmenthttps://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-walk-in-sites-across-the-uk-now-offering-coronavirus-booster-jabs-across-england-without-appointment-12456728

Leslie Wilson ● 907d

West4 GPs at Chiswick Health Centre are giving boosters by invitation.

Helen Martin ● 908d

They are more accessible than a GP for minor ailments, they have been a Great back up during Covid and hope it continues.

Janice Evans ● 908d

I did wonder why it was taking so long to be invited for a Booster jab too so was quite surprised to get a text message from NHS last week inviting me to ring them on a number they gave. Rang the number and I was put through immediately to someone to arrange the appointment. They suggested that I attend a Boots store in Kew where the Boosters were being given. I told them that I live in Chiswick, had my two vaccinations at Chiswick GPs surgery and I would rather go there. Apparently, no Booster clinics at Chiswick GP surgeries. It was either, Kew, Clayponds (?) or some where in Hounslow.

jenny Mein ● 908d

The other obvious team in the network is pharmacist’s, they are hugely qualified, on very high street and can contribute massively to the health of society. They could act as a frontline alternative to GP’s for certain conditions. So long as the systems are joined up so the GP’s can see any medication proscribed.

Jayne Thorburn ● 910d

I’m more than happy to pay more tax to support the NHS. I’m furious about my money going to SERCO and as our PM so eloquently puts it ‘spaffing it up the wall’ to companies who have made so much money out of Covid because they happened to make donations to the party that is in power with no proper oversight or care.And Brexit evidently makes the situation so much worse.

Stewart Jones ● 910d

I agree with the Brexit will only make things worse statement! We have a high percentage of immigrant workers in the NHS. I don't think it would function at all without them! I am grateful for each and every one of them and dread to think what will happen in the future.

Katrina Black ● 910d

All these long-standing problems, overloaded GPs, nurses on back-to-back shifts, lack of cover at weekends, come down to one thing - shortage of staff. And Brexit will only make the situation worse.

Robert Fish ● 910d

My big bugbear with the NHS and something I would love to see changed is the shift patterns for nurses. I've watched in frequent hospital stays nursing staff doing back to back shifts with little time to sleep or relax. Handovers to the next shift also take a chunk out of time supposedly for relaxation. Staff are therefore expected to do a full days work handling complex medical procedures and  administering highly toxic drugs and are not at their best after little opportunity to rest.I could list many more things but currently the next on the list is hygiene. A dedicated cleaner to each ward under control of the Ward Sister has in the past always been more effective than contract cleaners. I've been in NHS wards where the floors are thick with dust behind the beds and the bedside storage cupboards still had belongings of previous patients.

Katrina Black ● 910d

Jayne, I could not agree with you more.  The cottage hospitals in the smaller towns were fantastic in their day for convalescence.  Many of the staff were older and experienced and found a less frenetic and stressed pace suited them better not to mention the closer proximity of family and friends.The problem is that current arrangements do not have a doctor on duty overnight or weekends so any urgent needs required an ambulance to the main hospital or waiting until Monday or the next day time for a person with the correct qualifications.  For example we spotted on a Saturday visit that 97 M in L was going down with pneumonia and also UTI.  By the time she was seen on Monday, she was not in a good state and required much stronger and more intensive treatment and a much longer stay.I am a strong advocate for the NHS and whilst there are beacons of excellence I despair at the incredible amount of waste both financially and competence not to mention a very mean attitude towards patients.  When you get someone kind, gentle and helpful you are pathetically grateful.  I don’t have private health insurance but to achieve a good outcome before the problem gets worse I will pay.  I have also paid to see a Consultant because a condition was not explained or what the options were to enable you to make an informed decision.I do not advocate selling off bits of the NHS but it really does need a damned good shake up.  First hand knowledge of what has happened to family and friends over the last five years leaves me most concerned particularly for the elderly.

Elizabeth Ross ● 910d

You are right about the weekends Jayne.

Janice Evans ● 910d

One of the big challenges for major hospitals is releasing patients as they recuperate, cottage hospitals would solve this thus ensuring critical beds are freed up, more operations can take place, so improve efficiency allowing the cottage hospital to provide physio, speech therapy and the like. Plus a much nicer environment for the patient and local, so good for visitors. In addition operate 24/7, currently very little happens at weekends in the major hospitals.

Jayne Thorburn ● 910d

Yes Kew retail park - boots were extremely professional- I went by taxi as by bus was difficult as I wanted to there on time - went back by bus all good

Helen Bamberger ● 910d

Integrate medical disciplines.Allow consultants to directly refer to another discipline rather than referringback to GPs.Investigate ,diagnose and treat the cause of symptoms,not just the symptoms.Follow NHS/NICE evidence-based diagnostic guidelines which in my experience,many clinicians don't.

Ben Gemmingen ● 910d

I had my Booster at Boots Pharmacy in Kew retail park.As the weather gets colder and wetter the vaccination facility is set up at the rear of the store so there's plenty of room to wait inside the store. Very friendly staff, good access for Cars and parking, good routes for anyone cycling (Cycle path part of way, or use the river towpath to rear entrance.) There doesn't seem to be a lot of public transport to the site and Kew Gardens Station is to far away for any elderly residents Not many vaccination staff working at one time considering the size of store available, but was seen on time, considering they are combing the flu vaccination by appointment as well.Just to confuse me, the card handed to me had the Vaccine name Comirnaty written on it, I questioned this and was told that Pfizer BioNTech change the name to Comirnaty two months ago, to give the vaccine a brand name, rather than the use the name of the company.

Bernard Allen ● 910d

If the government hadn't tried to get a track-and-trace system working, no doubt you would have criticized them for not making the attempt.

Richard Greenhough ● 910d

A suggestion first bring back the matrons for each ward.

Janice Evans ● 910d

Yes, I too would be interested in hearing Jayne’s thoughts on the kind of changes that the NHS needs.  It’s a very important topic.

Alastair Banton ● 910d

What's your answer then Jayne?

John Davies ● 912d

Well that didn’t work did it! it needs a real rethink billions of our money is going in yet for so many it doesn’t work whether you work within the NHS or require the service, this isn’t about money this is about completely rethinking how the service is delivered so whoever needs it  gets treated with the best technology, drugs etc in a timely manner. Social care needs a massive rethink.

Jayne Thorburn ● 912d

Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Stewart Jones ● 912d

I agree with you.The Government's investment of £37b on this scheme was too ambitious, and too reliant in human honesty and integrity to succeed.It was a criminal waste of money.

Denis I. Fox ● 912d

The NHS is a political hot potato that needed addressing decades ago, no one dare touch it before of the public outcry. Until we accept that reform is needed to improve the institution and our tax payers money things won’t change. Change is positive if it improves medical outcomes for everyone, reduces waiting list.

Jayne Thorburn ● 912d

So today the Commons Accounts committee reports that the £37 billion given to Serco over two years for Track and Trace failed in its main objective to cut infection levels. They employed contractors on an average of £1,100 a day with some earning more than £6,000 per day. World- beating wastage. £37 billion.

Stewart Jones ● 912d

Sadder still the person who apportions no blame but then in the very same comment blames wastage, poor systems etc. How long have the Conservatives been in power to solve these problems?The government’s reliance purely on vaccination as its strategy is failing.

Stewart Jones ● 913d

Today our youngest (13) received an invitation to get his first jab. They seem to be on it.

Chris Blackwell ● 913d

To add to my explanation 24th 0ct on this thread  about the third and booster doses. I should add that the nurse also advised me that people are having trouble booking for the third dose. They should take which ever vaccination is offered first so if the booster is offered do that.  They can then later sort out the extra dose. As she explained Immune compromised people are essentially getting four doses. underlying message was get whatever you can as soon as you can.

Alina Dansord ● 913d

In our case, my wife and I received emails and texts from 'the NHS' saying we were due a booster and should log on and arrange where to go to get it. However, we checked with Chiswick Heath Centre, who'd done our previous jabs, and they said they were expecting to have them, and a couple of days later, we got a call to round there. Result happiness, but the duplicate emails and texts offering what appears to be a parallel service, were a bit confusing.

Peter Evans ● 914d

Stewart you missed  the no blame, yet you seem obsessed with wanting to blame. Sad person we need to get away from blame culture. Anyone with a brain or uses the NHS, for all our love and support for the institution knows there is massive wastage, poor systems, in many cases it is totally inefficient. In others it is a life saver. The NHS is a story of 2 halves, it is nothing to do with privatisation, it’s about the billions tax payers fund every year working for the people it serves. The 3rd jab and boosters is absolutely down to the NHS system.

Jayne Thorburn ● 914d

Worth watching last Monday's Dispatches on All Four. Matthew Syed on the NHS. Not attacking it but explaining where things are going wrong and have been for a very long time.

Susan Kelly ● 914d

Your comments feed into the narrative of how the NHS has failed us and that it will need radical reform to improve, which is the perfect excuse to sell it off, whilst conveniently forgetting that the government has failed to support it properly. The Health Minister had a go at GPs last week. Last year we were clapping on the streets. This year, doctors, yes doctors, are being demonised by the Daily Mail. Well, I suppose it makes a change from judges and teachers.

Stewart Jones ● 914d

There is no blame involved it just requires joined up thinking in the NHS. The reality is people can get a booster but just need to seek out the best way for them. Some are clearly getting notified others not. So if you are due a booster get it via local centres or pharmacies. GP’s should be notifying those that need a third dose.  A colleague was notified via GP for 3rd dose.

Jayne Thorburn ● 914d

That’s strange as my text for a booster  didn’t come from my GP. My relation rang her GP to ask about when she would get her third vaccination, they told her they were not responsible informing her about it. Why not contact you hospital consultant who can give you a code to have it done.The third vaccine is becoming a postcode lottery at this time because of the heavy drive on the booster jab. It’s almost as if who ever is in charge has forgotten that some people need a third vaccine.Yet as the other lady who couldn’t get done in this area, visited her sister 200 miles away and a switched on health professional knew all about it and could look up this lady’s records to see if she qualified for it, and she was given it straight away.

Bernard Allen ● 914d

'As far as I know, your GP is being kept out of the loop regarding the third Vaccine.'I was summoned for mine by text from my GP, same as with the first two doses. GPs are not administering them this time round but are still involved in identifying patients who qualify.

Susan Kelly ● 914d

As far as I know, your GP is being kept out of the loop regarding the third Vaccine, Its been down to the area heath authority to inform the people who need it.But it seems they have know Idea whats going on, so far, its been down to the people themselves who know they need the third vaccine to search for and make their own arrangements. The vaccination roll out was going very well, but theirs been a big hic up along the line somewhere and its slowly becoming a shambles.

Bernard Allen ● 915d

Just blame doctors. So easy, isn’t it?

Stewart Jones ● 915d

Gpcn we ge toff the government trip it’s the NHS who is responsible for sorting 3rd doses and boosters. Agree it is all very confusing but either your GP should be in touch re 3rd dose and in terms of booster just go to a vaccine centre once you have hit 6 months not before 😂😂😂😂 think the system is creaking due to old  tech systems, given the funding into the NHS one would think the IT department would have sorted this out! Not idea how many they employ but my guess is hundreds if not thousands ha!

Jayne Thorburn ● 915d

AlinaThank you for explaining the third dose in words that all can understand.My relation lives approximately 200 miles away heading north and is having the same problem as you,.After seeing your post she is going to find where a walk-in centre is near where she lives, as it’s only a small place they have to head off to a large town.The Government hasn’t made it very easy for something that they said needed to be done, and there’s very little information out there for people who need the third dose to get it done.

Bernard Allen ● 915d

Sorry if you had a wasted journey to Mattock Lane, Alina. They seem determined to keep a random element in this vaccination business!

Susan Kelly ● 915d

Saying on the T.V. this morning that letters will be going out to parents of secondary school-age children this week, telling them to get their kids jabbed in half term. How stupid is that? These letters should have gone out two weeks ago - - schools have already broken up for half term, by the time the letters arrive - the schools will be back - doh!

Vanessa Smith ● 915d

Had my third dose. Albeit 200 miles away. The nurse was fabulous. She also explained very clearly The situation regarding all the doses of vaccine. ie first dose, second dose, third dose, booster. The doses (ie ingredients);are the same for all doses, but the medical difference are the terms used to describe each dose based on who is receiving it. Boosters are offered to people who have received the full course of vaccine (2 doses) and developed a good response initially, but it waned over time. Third doses are given to people whose immune systems may not respond fully to first and second doses. So essentially someone with compromised immune system will be offered 4 doses of the vaccine. The difficulty is that those who have been told to have a third dose are unable to book on the NHS system. There is no option for third dose. My nurse looked at my record saw I needed third dose and on the card marked third dose.  I can book a booster down the line.  Mine were all Pfizer

Alina Dansord ● 915d

Elizabeth I am thrilled you got the booster and so pleased you had a fun lunch to celebrate 👏👏👏🥂

Jayne Thorburn ● 916d

Just read up on this Bernard at it states that people will be contacted for the third normal dose and that they will also need a booster later.  Also somePeople are not able to have the Pfizer for medical reasons and will have tobe given the AZ.

Janice Evans ● 916d

People with a  lowered immune system are meant to have three vaccinations of there normal type of vaccine, but the government and the NHS have not set this up correctly. The charity’s that represent people with conditions that lower their immune system are lobbying the government now to give what was promised at the beginning of the year. They are not talking about a booster vaccination, but a third normal vaccination.There is plenty of information about this subject on the Internet.Also whenI  I booked my booster for next week the Chiswick Health Centre wasn’t on the Government’s list of Vaccination centre’s, which is strange as someone has posted that the had their booster done there. Don’t know who or why we are being messed about, although in a straight line Boots at Kew is near to me than the Heath centre at Chiswick.

Bernard Allen ● 916d

Was thinking Alina could have B12 deficiency as she has lowered immunesystem.

Janice Evans ● 916d

Yes think they will give those on same day.

Janice Evans ● 916d

They will if you've had a flu jab.

Vanessa Smith ● 916d

i tried the nhs link just says not eligibleHave printed the text message.  All failed.Mattock Lane said no.Anyway I do have a are result albeit 200miles awayVisiting my sister tomorrow.  Called her local vaccination walk in centre and they took all my details and looked at my NHS record (first time anyone even tried to do this!) they have booked me in for tomorrow. Fortunately 200miles is not out of my way.  I have already made several waste journeys and if the government is wanting us all to use cars less and minimise pollution they need to make this process easier

Alina Dansord ● 916d

Alina, if you have had any other injections within the last 7 days they will not give the booster.

Janice Evans ● 916d

Alina, if possible print out that text.I've found the following link useful so would advise you try and book using it.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/book-or-manage-a-booster-dose-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/

Ben Gemmingen ● 916d

We had our boosters almost three weeks ago - we got some e-mails which we couldn't decide if they were genuine or not. 'Phoned the GP surgery to check, and the receptionist booked us in at Heart of Hounslow - where we've had all the jabs apart from Flu. Seems to have been very good co-operation between all the local practices.

Vanessa Smith ● 916d

Thanks Susan. The last walk in place I went to put my details into the nhs website to check my eligibility which needless to say said not  eligible and was turned away. All I have is proof I m over 60. A text saying I should get jab as am compromised and proof I have had two doses over 6 months ago.

Alina Dansord ● 916d

Alina, Mattock Lane is definitely taking walk-ins. I had an appointment there yesterday afternoon but plenty of people in the queue didn't.

Susan Kelly ● 916d

Can someone confirm if the walk in places mentioned ie Mattock Lane will accept you for booster so long as you meet criteria. I am classed as immune compromised and over 60 and had second jab early April. I had a text from nhs vaccine saying if I hadn’t been invited I should book. I tried to book but it says I am not eligible. I called GP they can’t help. I called 119. They can’t help.  I walked in to a centre near me an they said unless I had invite and was eligible on the nhs booking system they couldn’t give me jab.

Alina Dansord ● 916d

We both had our booster jabs today at Chiswick Health centre. Quite well organised. We were seen straight away.

Martine Dismore ● 917d

Success.  Tried the closest on Goldhawk Rd.  - weren’t taking drop ins.  Walked in the lovely sunshine to Uxbridge Road and rather ungraciously informed us that they would not be up and running until Monday.  Retraced our steps through the market to Shepherds Bush Rd, Jayne’s suggestion.A short wait and we were in and 20 mins later we were out.  Really nice people, helpful and kind to a few unsure elderly (not us this time).Lunchtime and we spotted a restaurant.  The best meal in a long time and reminded us of wonderful lunches travelling through France.  Thanks Jayne you made our day.

Elizabeth Ross ● 917d

I have just booked my booster jab at the Roehampton Vaccination Centre (QMH) - for Monday morning. Seemed simple enough. I also printed off my NHS Covid-19 Pass just in case I go to Wales.

Cllr Sam Hearn ● 917d

Mattock Lane Pharmacy is great and you just pop across the road to St Johns church everything is set up and very well organised.

Janice White ● 917d

I have had my booster - I went to Boots at Kew Retail Park- got a text and booked straight away. There was nowhere in Chiswick. I was amazed that there were loads of staff but hardly any punters, I felt very outnumbered and rather concerned.  I think one of the problems may be that the oldest who mainly got the jab first - went to their local GP Health Centres which were very local and within walking distance but gradually larger centres were set up which were much more efficient but further away and less accessible.  I think the bigger centres are better for the more able and mobile but not so good for the elderly. Another issue is perhaps having to get both a flu jab and a booster in quick succession - while technically there is no problem - several people might not be so keen.But very pleased to receive the booster.

Jackie Elton ● 917d

My advice would be to double check when CP House is open as it is not open all the time

Stewart Jones ● 917d

Sorry you had a wasted journey. CP house is open tomorrow from 4pm to 7.30 pm all day Sunday and every day next week except Thursday.

Stewart Jones ● 917d

My husband received his invitation 2 days ago and this morning I received mine.To book his appointment it was easy to get to the list of places to go although nothing offered until Saturday.To book my visit I am unable to pass go.  Having entered my NHS no and date of birth I am then asked if I work for the NHS or am a care worker.  Neither and then referred back to GP or call 119 neither of which answer a call in less than 10 mins.  I am about to go to Shepherds Bush where there are 3 centres within walking distance.

Elizabeth Ross ● 917d

It's a superb operation, isn't it, Leslie? We went there after we found CP House closed, contrary to the information on their website.

Robert Fish ● 917d

I've just returned from Mattock Lane Pharmacy which is a superbly managed company.The 'walk in' vaccine itself is administered in St John's Church, just over the road and there are several wonderfully organised ladies running the show, which exemplifies efficiency.We are truly blessed to be cared for in such splendid fashion; I am most grateful to everyone involved.

Leslie Wilson ● 917d

97 Uxbridge Road. It’s being used as a vaccination centre.

Stewart Jones ● 917d

Where and what is CP house?

Stella Ellis ● 917d

I asked about it when having my flu jab at Boots in Victoria Station. I got the impression that as the Pfizer vaccine requires to be stored at low temperatures, not all pharmacies have the facility to deliver it.

Richard Greenhough ● 918d

CP House in Ealing offers a walk in service to anyone wanting a booster and six months has elapsed since the second vaccination. There is plenty of space to sit for the required fifteen minutes.

Stewart Jones ● 918d

Except on the way you might catch Covid. Story on the news today about people testing negative, then taking public transport to the vaccination centre and shortly after testing positive.

Claire Moran ● 918d

I wondered whether people who were willing & able to offer mobile numbers and email addresses were more likely to be contacted quickly.Drop ins for boosters are problematic because I believe all boosters are Pfizer and need the space for you to wait 15 mins to see if you have an adverse reaction. It's going to be hard to manage that as a drop in service.

Tessa Russell ● 918d

Worth pointing out that the Mattock Lane Pharmacy is a hop and a step from the E3 bus route, so easily accessible from Chiswick.

Susan Kelly ● 918d

Bernard I am rather puzzled by your reference to Crohn’s and Colitis.  Those problems are, thank goodness, not mine.  However our dog is the sufferer and not entitled to any vaccinations except large vet bills.  She does have the good fortune to be very loved.

Elizabeth Ross ● 918d

Are you taking an immunosuppressant for your Crohn’s or Colitis? If so, you may be eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is not the booster jab rolling out now People taking any immunosuppresant drugs for any number of illnesses, are having a lot of difficulty in obtaining their injection which was meant to be given at 28 weeks.

Bernard Allen ● 918d

The good thing about Mattock Lane Pharmacy at St John's church is the enormous space.

Robert Fish ● 918d

Unfortunately no pharmacies in Chiswick.We had our flu jabs at Churchill’s all very easy and simple.  They don’t have the space to do the Covid ones.

Elizabeth Ross ● 918d

The booster campaign is more challenging for obvious reasons, I agree there should be more advertising on where to go, etc it makes sense to use the pharmacy network as it takes pressure of NHS, plus of course there are plenty but I think the pharmacy has to opt in to deliver them not sure.

Jayne Thorburn ● 918d

I got a text from my GP this morning and booked online for tomorrow at the pharmacy in West Ealing that someone mentioned.The government is trying to make out that people aren't coming forward for the booster, when the airwaves are full of people like Elizabeth who have been unable to book and get passed from pillar to post when they try.

Susan Kelly ● 918d

Jayne, that’s most helpful.  Thanks

Elizabeth Ross ● 918d

Elizabeth just spoke to Healthside Pharmacy, 90 shepherds Bush Road, they are doing booster, you don’t need a letter just your NI number, so long as it is 6 months after your second jab they can give you a booster. You can walk in or make an appointment. 0207 603 2763

Jayne Thorburn ● 918d

There's an excellent walk-in centre at St John's Church, Mattock Lane, Ealing.

Robert Fish ● 918d

I have just called Boots, Kew and they can’t take any bookings without an invitation

Elizabeth Ross ● 918d

I received my invitation for my Booster vaccination on Tuesday by text from W4 GP's CHC,booked for next Thursday.

Loraine Pemberton ● 918d

Neighbour booked in at Kew Boots tomorrow but they had received an invitation.

Elizabeth Ross ● 918d

Elizabeth try contacting local pharmacist as some are giving booster jabs plus I read 55 Boots but don’t know which ones.

Jayne Thorburn ● 918d