Forum Topic

Anyone Invited To Have The Vaccine Yet?

Does anyone know of anyone in the local area other than health workers who has got an appointment to receive the Pfizer vaccine yet?

Felicity Caborn ● 2132d98 Comments

Yes. Talking to two HandF residents over eighty who have had the vaccine.

Stewart Jones ● 2132d

Ok H&Fulham, also Richmond residents have had some people vaccinated - many in Kent too but don't know of a single person within LBH who has had one yet. We are in the North West London Health Authority I believe it's called.  They seem to be very low in the pecking order for delivery of vaccines compared with other Authorities.  Anyone here with more comprehensive details and knowledge.

Jennifer Selig ● 2132d

We've had a text from our surgery; 'Don't call us, we'll call you'.

Gordon McDonald ● 2132d

Before anyone starts slagging off the NW London NHS, it started two weeks ago at the Heart of Hounslow. They had a week's notice to get it going. They had to find premises where they could start without disturbing the ongoing work of the GP practice on the premises. Heart of Hounslow enabled them to do it on the ground floor which does not have a GP practice. Not only do they have to have space to do the vaccination, but also somewhere where patients can be observed for 15 minutes to make sure there are no allergic reactions. Another reason for not knowing when it would start is that there was a glitch with the NHS IT system. There are plans to start vaccination at Chiswick Health Centre in January, presumably when the next lot of vaccines arrive. I have been told by someone who is responsible for the logistics side that there is no shortage. I would imagine that there is a rather large worldwide demand however. It started with care home residents and staff and the over 80s. Then will come the over 75s. Then the over 70s. Then the clinically vulnerable. GPs will contact people when their turn comes

Iris Hill ● 2132d

Yes, we will be texted. I hope everyone refrains from contacting their GP, they have enough to cope with.

Vivienne Cox ● 2132d

Yes. Chiswick Health Centre told us when we were in there a few days ago that they would be doing vaccinations but hadn't been told when - 'but we'd be told'.

Peter Evans ● 2132d

The health nazis will not be pumping aborted foetus cells and monkey glands into my temple and genetically modifying my God given DNA...

bobby osborne ● 2132d

Eeehm .... it's not ALL about you ...

Katja Urban ● 2132d

Why get so worked up? - nobody will be forcing you to do anything.

Anne England ● 2132d

Far from getting worked up, Bobby is playing the gadfly to upset others. He is an intelligent narcissist, who acts the buffoon to draw attention to himself.

Robert Fish ● 2132d

And Mr. Fish is a not so intelligent shill. Long exposed.

Michael Brown ● 2132d

Thank you, Michael. I take that as an affirmation of my sanity.

Robert Fish ● 2132d

Sorry but I am going to slag them off. Plans to start not till January in Chiswick is quite pathetic.

Mark Talbot ● 2132d

PHE are backtracking as things have not gone to plan and COVID-19 will be over on January 21 2021..

bobby osborne ● 2132d

I have a bad feeling that although the EU has started their vacination programme they will rapidly over take us. Look at covid testing in Kent  French firemen called and now the Polish Army to help. Lucky the Germans did a food airlift for us!

Nicholas Beard ● 2131d

Im a health worker & we haven’t even been offered the vaccine yet.

Donna Mccann ● 2131d

I read that 50% of NHS trust have not received any. Can this be true? I dont want to believe it. However your case makes me wonder!!!!!!!!

Nicholas Beard ● 2131d

Good grief, it's been less than a month since the first vaccine was approved for use.I'm not one to make excuses for this shower of a government, but in this case, people need to temper their expectations and accept that until the Oxford/AZ vaccine is approved, rollout is going to be limited.

Chris Jenkins ● 2131d

Whilst keeping in mind the NHS is the fifth or sixth biggest employer in the world with about 1.75m staff.

Keith Iddon ● 2131d

The target rate of vaccinating is supposed to be 1m each week, requiring just over a year to do everyone and bring infections under control. So far, 600,000 have been done since 8 December, at which rate it will take nearly 6 years. Let's hope things improve, but only now is the government trying to recruit the 40,000 extra staff they need to carry out the exercise.  Unlikely we can rely on French firefighters or Polish reservists to help out this time.

Peter Evans ● 2131d

It’s funny how they come up with a vaccine in nine months, yet, the common cold is still waiting for one and all the other virus related illnesses that have been around for the past 50yrs are still waiting. However, the flu vaccine being the popular one and the ones you need for certain overseas visits are obviously proven useful to those who can have them and are not adversely effected by its ingredients. So I’m quite sceptical about this covid-19 vaccine and the properties therein. Yet, one of the main vaccine producers said in the news yesterday, they believe they got the formula at a much higher efficiency and are working on that. So those who are getting shots now, may be having a lower standard of effectiveness shot meaning that lower quality vaccine swooshing around your system may not be that effective.

c james ● 2131d

Keith Iddon:My hat goes off to those NHS staff who without their dedication and passion for whatever role they do, proves that the British health system is strong and vibrant and ready to confront anything that comes its way. Well done NHS.

c james ● 2131d

yes I have an appointment for wednesday 30 december

jill morris ● 2131d

Thank you Iris.

Jennifer Selig ● 2131d

Jill, presume you are in W4.  How were you advised by email, landline, letter or mobile?  I rarely look at my ancient mobile.  Maybe they keep trying until they actually connect with you.  I am highly vulnerable and wouldn't want to miss an appointment.  Front-line NHS /carers etc should get it first though.

Jennifer Selig ● 2131d

There are a number of good reasons for the rapid development of the vaccines.First and foremost the is simply funding. With the combined resources of the world's governments, pharma companies and not-for-profits, researchers we're able to access everything they needed when they needed.Second, Covid is caused by a very similar virus to SARS and MERS, so development was able to piggy back on earlier research.Third, a pandemic is actually a good time to run a clinical trial, as endpoints may be reached much faster due to the high rates of infection.Finally, let's not forget the brilliance and commitment of countless researchers across the globe.

Chris Jenkins ● 2131d

My husband and I, both 88 and my sister 85, have all received letters saying that we are Extremely Vulnerable due to various health issues but have been told that our doctor will NOT be administrating the vaccine: however no information is available from Hounslow Health Centre.Meanwhile, we have friends in Soho, Marble Arch, Stockwell, Hammersmith, Richmond and Kensington and in the country who have already had their first dose!Why is there no vaccine in Hounslow?

Joy Skinner ● 2131d

Chris is right about funding. Vaccines were not 'sexy' and it would often take years to raise the funds to develop one. Oddly, that didn't apply this time around.

Susan Kelly ● 2131d

Joy, in your position I would be emailing my MP. Repeatedly.

Susan Kelly ● 2131d

Thank you - I hadn't thought of that. Good Idea! I will,

Joy Skinner ● 2131d

Wasn't the Oxford/Astraz vaccine planned to be produced in Russia?Thinking about that..I wonder if we will have a choice.80+ and vulnerable....and awaiting an appointment. Had the flu jab though.

Jim Lawes ● 2131d

'Wasn't the Oxford/Astraz vaccine planned to be produced in Russia?'I don't think so, Jim. What they *are* doing is seeing if a combination of Oxford and the Russian Sputnik vaccine will produce a better result than using them individually.I don't think that patients will have a choice of vaccines. The logistics are hard enough without people demanding one vaccine or another and, at present, we have only one authorised.

Susan Kelly ● 2130d

Here’s the lowdown on AZ..https://unlimitedhangout.com/2020/12/investigative-series/developers-of-oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-tied-to-uk-eugenics-movement/

bobby osborne ● 2130d

I took my dad to have the vaccine in Ealing Town Hall just before Christmas. My surgery in Acton was given three slots and my dad was lucky enough to get one.  When we went to the town hall for the vaccine it made me think. 99% of the people having it were the elderly and I'd estimate 80% of those were clearly very very elderly, like my father, who probably can't get out much whether Covid or not. Most people there had carers. I immediately wondered why they are giving the vaccine to the very very elderly, rather than doing NHS workers first. People are still catching Covid in hospitals, quite a lot if you believe the press, so surely it would make sense to vaccinate the frontline workers before the elderly.  After the 2nd dose on 10 Jan, my dad will be happily sitting at home watching telly and meeting very few people but knowing he's had the vaccine, while nurses and frontline workers who meet Covid patients on a daily basis have to wait to be vaccinated.  Makes no sense to me. 

Tania Bapuji ● 2130d

Mostly agree but think if the elderly are vaccinated more people can then visit and help out taking pressure off the care workers a little.

Janice Evans ● 2130d

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has published its priority list (below). You will see that frontline Health and Social Care workers are given the same priority as over-80's. I suspect that you just didn't see it because they are receiving their vaccinations in their workplace, rather than in public centres like Ealing Town Hall.Priority List:– Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers– All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers– All those 75 years of age and over– All those 70 years of age and over and people deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable– All those 65 years of age and over– All individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality– All those 60 years of age and over– All those 55 years of age and over– All those 50 years of age and over– The rest of the population, with priority yet to be determined.https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/who-will-get-coronavirus-vaccine-first-b61465.html

Richard Cathcart ● 2130d

Tania has reason to question priorities. 63% of doctors who responded to an EveryDoctor survey say they've not yet had the vaccine, and a third have no idea when they will be offered it.See: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/27/63-of-doctors-in-survey-say-they-have-not-had-covid-vaccine

Robert Fish ● 2130d

I think that Guardian article might benefit from some deeper analysis.The first priority is Care Home residents and their carers. Considering this virus is more lethal amongst such people than a fox in a henhouse, this seems fair enough to me. (Remember, Doctors will have been consulted in drawing up the Priority List)Meanwhile, "Frontline health and social care workers" are next in line, alongside the over-80's.(More here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-advice-from-the-jcvi-2-december-2020/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-advice-from-the-jcvi-2-december-2020 )Next, consider that there are over 300k doctors in the UK. Which means that 100k+ (37%) of doctors had already received the vaccine by the date of the survey (23rd or 24th December?).Whilst "doctors" only comprise a proportion (minority?) of "front line health and social care workers". Considering we were told that approx half a million vaccinations were administered in the first week(?), by the time you add up Care Home Residents and Workers, plus over-80's, plus every other front line H&SC worker etc, then 100k+ Doctors is possibly a very high figure.

Richard Cathcart ● 2130d

You always have to be careful how you define doctors. Houseman, Registrars, Consultants) in hospitals, GP's (sometimes not viewed in not the same light as hospital "doctors") and others (Chiropractors etc.,)

Jeffrey Cope ● 2130d

There is a variation across the country . All anecdotal but I know a  90 year old in Sheffield who has received the first jab and another 90 year old in Surbiton who hasn’t. I know a 93 year old  in Hampstead notified by text and when he called to confirm enquired about his in Bromley wife who is 92. They told him to bring her along too. I know an 80 year old who was attending a clinic to check her cataract op from a few weeks before and she was offered one on the spot. I am especially pleased that my niece of 26 who is a nurse has had her first jab - she was in the position of having to use a plastic bag on her head as part of her PPE in March . I sincerely think that the health professionals are doing their utmost to use what vaccines they have in the most efficient way. But in your position I would be inclined to follow up.

Stewart Jones ● 2130d

There's been very little action so far in Acton - my GP practice has had 13 vaccines only for the over-80s.But Kings College hospital seem to be at the top of the Pfizer list: it has vaccinated 1500 staff (I don't know if that's all of them) and all staff were then invited to ask friends and family over 80 to go for vaccination.I took my 89yo mum and an 81yo neighbour and they are due back on the 7th for the second dose. It was a bit of a shlep to Camberwell, but really well-organised  when we got there.Let's hope for a wider, speedier roll-out if the Oxford/Astra-Zeneca one is approved tomorrow as hoped...

Sara Nathan ● 2130d

How lucky for your Dad and I'm sure he appreciates your initiative.However, I take exception to your description of the 'elderly'.who are as different from each other as any other age group. In our case, although we are indeed elderly we do not normally sit at home watching the telly. I spend quite a lot of time gardening ( roughly 3 hours a day) visit friends and family, look after the house, do shopping, cooking, etc. and help my husband with some of his activities. He is a trustee of a number of charities and an active partner in various innovative concerns and my sister is an artist and has many commissions that involve traveling. Of course, I agree that frontline hospital staff should have priority and I understood that this was happening. Nevertheless, it seems that the elderly with underlying medical conditions should they catch the virus are the most likely to die and I resent the fact that so far, there has been no information for us whatsoever and people I know although younger and healthier have already had their first shot in other parts of London and will get the second next week.

Joy Skinner ● 2130d

I agree with you Joy. Sara, I'm a little surprised that Kings College are giving vaccines out based on  friends and family, but suppose that's the Tory way these days ;)

Tania Bapuji ● 2129d

Yes Joy..And Yes Tania..Agree...

Stuart Kerr ● 2129d

Perhaps you should read the post by Sara more carefully but I guess its hard missing a chance to make a political point for some

Paul Fisher ● 2129d

Too many NHS workers and carers refuse to take the vaccine. This is bad PR for government and vaccine, so this group are being left alone for a bit..

Michael Brown ● 2129d

...so they've gone after the frail who can't think straight.

Michael Brown ● 2129d

I'm over 80 and highly vulnerable and can't wait to get the vaccination. I am very independent (perfectly able to think straight!) but have been locked up and prevented from leaving  home for weeks now, even more so since Tier 4.      That vaccination would give me back a modicum of freedom to DRIVE (LTN's permitting!) about and enjoy what life I have left without inconveniencing anyone else or blocking up a vital bed in a hospital.  Should I catch Covid it would kill me and I'm not ready to meet my maker just yet!

Jennifer Selig ● 2129d

My 92 year old Mother had first jab on 23/12 and 2nd is scheduled for 5/1. She lives in Moreton in Marsh

Loraine Pemberton ● 2129d

Exactly how I feel and I would also make the point that the NHS staff will only be the more infected if there are lots of old and vulnerable folk contracting Covid and filling up the hospitals. If the old and vulnerable are all vaccinated the NHS staff will be less busy and less exposed to disease!

Joy Skinner ● 2129d

MB: "Too many NHS workers and carers refuse to take the vaccine. This is bad PR for government and vaccine, so this group are being left alone for a bit"Followed by"... so [the Government have] gone after the frail who can't think straight."So you're saying that the very NHS workers and carers who refuse to take the vaccine themselves (because it's "dangerous"), are simultaneously colluding with the government in administering it to the frail and confused? Just where do you get this bullshit from?

Richard Cathcart ● 2129d

Personally I am fully supportive of the Spanish government who propose to set up a register of those who refuse the vaccination.

Jeffrey Cope ● 2129d

With you there Jeffrey...

Stuart Kerr ● 2129d

We are helpless and have to wait for the pronouncements from on high, our  North West London NHS Foundation Trust (on 0800 023 4650?) and/or the local Clinical Commissioning Group, who will decide the allocation of vaccine as and when they get any.    Must say they seem to be rather "tardy" on this front compared with other areas in the Country, no idea why.  Here's hoping that they now do have vaccine and are dispatching throughout our area as fast as they can with appropriately trained administrators - retired GPs, medics, nurses etc.  I understand tedious, lengthy and un-neccessary multiple form filling has been deterring many from continuing with their application.  Many medical retirees are well versed in giving vaccines.  Can't the current system be simplified?

Jennifer Selig ● 2129d

Only know of one person who has had her first jab and had to go to Brent area, said it was very well organised and she is booked in for 3 weeks time for her second jab, she is early 80s.

Janice Evans ● 2129d

Maybe they are hoping the Oxford vaccine will be given approval - due any day now - as that will be much, much more efficient and far cheaper to roll out - only needs ordinary refrigeration instead of deep cold and is only £3.00 per dose compared to £15.00 and £25.00 for the others.

Claire Moran ● 2129d

But what will they do with such a register?  Will other countries be entitled to refuse them to cross their borders? Will medics refuse them medical treatment if those on the register catch Covid or maybe any other disease as well? And why not do the same with the flu jab if they are going to do this - flu kills many across the world as well?  Or refuse it to those that don't take vitamin D tablets when vitamin D deficiency causes all kinds of problems, or those who drink or smoke too much or take illegal drugs or are overweight?  It's an eyebrow-raising precedent.

Claire Moran ● 2129d

Couldn't agree more, Jeffrey but I can't imagine how the showers that be would be able to organise that list effectively.Same I fear will happen with the vaccinations,data lost,incorrect inputting,fat fingers on keyboards etc.The ways it can be cocked up are myriad,I am fairly confident at least one of them will be employed.

Keith Iddon ● 2129d

Michael Brown ● 2129d

I've not proposed any discrimination be used in the compilation of a register. Perhaps if matters get worse its contents may be useful in some respect.What on earth are you proposing? You list possible problems, but like so many others at this juncture you're full of objections but NO constructive suggestions to improve the situation. Try to be helpful.

Jeffrey Cope ● 2129d

It would be helpful, Jeffrey, if you suggested a justification for the money spent on compiling such a register which is not inconsiderable. To quote you, it 'nay be useful in some respect.' ?  How? Why?  What exactly is the reason for spending Spanish taxpayer money on such a register?  My brother is a Spanish resident and can't for the life of him see any reason for it.  Do try to be helpful.

Claire Moran ● 2129d

How about we let the Spanish worry about their vaccination procedures, while we worry about ours?

Richard Cathcart ● 2129d

Never mind the silly videos which no-one but the deluded believes, or is even interested in.Why don't you address my earlier point? To remind you:RC: "So you [MB} are saying that the very NHS workers and carers who refuse to take the vaccine themselves (because it's 'dangerous'), are simultaneously colluding with the government in administering it to the frail and confused?" I mean, how does that work?

Richard Cathcart ● 2129d

Same old, same old, Claire. Try to be costructive for a change.

Jeffrey Cope ● 2128d

Just had a text to say, that the Vaccine to be rolled out next week to the relevant groups of people.

Bernard Allen ● 2128d

Very poor effort by North West London CCGs. Not one of our hospitals was one of the vaccination hubs. The nearest to us is the Royal Free. Why not? Even those visiting for regular appointment haven’t been immunised as has occurred elsewhere.Heart of Hounslow is an ideal place to give vaccinations but is too far for many of us in this part of the borough. Chiswick Health Centre is not a suitable site to bring vulnerable elderly people who have been shielding. There isn’t the on site parking that HoH has and no way that a simple drive through service could be offered. I am aware of those in the top tier of need plus health workers being immunised across most of London. The local effort is just not good enough coming more than four weeks after vaccinations begun.  Perhaps they could close Turnham Green Terrace and offer a drive through service!!!Saying there was little notice just shows how forward planning is lacking locally. We have known that the vaccines were coming for enough time for contingency plans to be developed. With the plan to immunise 2M a week there will need to be a much slicker solution than  requiring elderly frail people to go to Chiswick Health Centre. Total lack of leadership from Hounslow public health people.

Louise Mirwitch ● 2127d

Probably to do with the storage of the first batch of vaccine, the Oxford one should be easier to distribute.

Janice Evans ● 2127d

How can you have a drive through, when the person being vaccinated has to wait 15 minuets to make sure they don’t have a sever allergic to the vaccine.

Bernard Allen ● 2127d

Louise, you mistakenly blamed the CCG in you other comment on a similar thread. If you check out the BMA website it is clear that the vaccination programme is practise-led and that the CCG is not permitted to dictate what the process should be.

Stewart Jones ● 2127d

Hancocks days are numbered.,Been telling lots of porkies but we have got him bang to rights..The Truth will set you free..Dont buy into the fear..Jan 6 ..

bobby osborne ● 2127d

Presumably because GP practices are not part of the NHS so can only be advised,not ordered to do something.

Ben Gemmingen ● 2127d

I could not agree with you more Louise. A friend rang me to say she had been texted by her doctor yesterday morning about booking an appointment so I rang mine and was told to ring them on Monday and they would "try" to book us an appointment but they were still not able to tell me where we would get the vaccination!Do you know which vaccine we are going to get? I hope it is the German one.

Joy Skinner ● 2127d

Why do you want the” German One” ?

John Southey ● 2126d

There is lack of leadership everywhere. I ask what is a vacination? 1 shot leaves you 70% protected. Pfizer says after 21 days theirs is ineffective without a second shot. Talking of leadership look at what happened in Kent with the lorry drivers. Nowhere to wash, Polish army came to distribute food and no government ministers present.

Nicholas Beard ● 2126d

Are health professionals going to let the government delay the second vaccination,  if indeed it will make the first ineffective. 

Maggie Dodge ● 2126d

The Oxford vaccine does not need this observation period. Hence a drive through would work.

Louise Mirwitch ● 2126d

I don't think that's the picture Maggie.The way I've been reading it, the first jab alone pretty much guarantees that if you do pick up covid your body will deal with it and you will soon recover.  The second jab is a booster - and hopefully this cocktail will maintain protection for some while...  How long that lasts is yet to be determined by the scientists.That being the case, the 'political' decision to get the first jab out to as many as possible and as soon as possible does make sense..  to me that is..

Stuart Kerr ● 2126d

Pfizer says they dont know if it effective or not without the 2nd 21day shot. They have never tested with a shot over 21 days.

Nicholas Beard ● 2126d

Hear, hear Bobby Osborne, no thank you i certainly won't be having it either. Frankie Boyle said that the reason they decided to give the first one to a 91yr old is that she won't live long enough to display the side effects. Sorry, it appealed to my love of black humour😄.

Juliet Hogg ● 2124d

There is a vaccine and it has had time to prove it's efficacy. It was created early into the pandemic by the government scientists at Porton Down, and has been issued to the Armed Forces ever since. As with everything to do with this can of worms, the truth will out one day.

Roger Talbot ● 2124d

Funny that we are told to complete a full course of antibiotics as if you don't, the bugs can develop resistance.  But it is apparently fine to let the coronavirus have time to mount a huge resistance with an incomplete dose of a vaccine.  I have heard concerns along these lines from several apparently eminent medics in the last few days.  I tend to trust them, plus the manufacturers who are saying their vaccines were not tested as either safe or effective in a different timescale to that they specified, and certainly not if mixed with a different vaccine. 

Claire Moran ● 2124d

I’d be interested to know your source and any evidence for this information.

Michael David Rowe ● 2124d

You don't half see a load of rubbish on this forum and this is right up there with them.

Carl Wynne ● 2124d

How true of your post, Carl.

Roger Talbot ● 2124d

The Daily Telegraph's Defence Correspondent before Christmas, Michael. I expected other media to follow it up, but I expect they were warned off.It'll no doubt come out in the wash one day. In the meantime, feel free to join the all-knowing Carl and disparage me.

Roger Talbot ● 2124d

Roger, really, you are always kidding and it's great.

Janice Evans ● 2124d

Thankyou, Janice. But not kidding this time. I'm not a conspiracist,  but I'm prepared to believe there's more goes on in the world in strange aand desperate times than we're ever told.

Roger Talbot ● 2124d

Agree.

Janice Evans ● 2124d

The conspiracy things don't bother me in the least, have seen lots about it and some things ring true but most of it I dismiss.

Janice Evans ● 2124d

Was it by any chance the T.B jab which they were giving to doctors early on, apparently it gives some protection.

Janice Evans ● 2124d

Stupid post. You haven't got a clue what you are on about.

Carl Wynne ● 2124d

Do actually, so go troll someone else.

Janice Evans ● 2124d

It boosts the immune system, know all.

Janice Evans ● 2124d

'According to rumour' it's not that oldies or anyone lined up to be first needing two jabs of Pfizer where we are now led to believe one jab will do outside of any second jab's dated protocol - it's that umpteen jabs of the Oxford might reputedly be required as Covid exponentially mutates. Moral: Best for those of us who are 'vulnerable' keep schtum and hidden and let all those gad about anti-Covid vacca's die off first before we have the courage to emerge from longterm lockdown.

Bobbie Carnegie ● 2124d

Thick people like you are dangerous in these times.

Carl Wynne ● 2124d

Carl, ithe T.B jab is well known about and if you don't know it's your problem.

Janice Evans ● 2124d

Wouldn't your intellect be better displayed on the Vacuum Cleaner Repair thread, Carl?

Roger Talbot ● 2124d

Quite possibly given that I have taken to engaging with vacuous fools.

Carl Wynne ● 2124d