Testing times - Covid in 2022

[Pippedydeadeye]

I mean the vaccination centre here is not busy.

[Rebel Pebble]

I wish they would open it up to everyone again. Surely there are enough people who don’t want it to have enough for everyone who does.

Exactly. And yes, the vax place up the road from us was busy initially but it's looking quiet now. In previous years this point is when they started dropping the age for walk ins, slowly but surely, down to 50.

[Marth]

I really think most people could just make an appt and go or go to a walk in. They only asked me why I was having the Jab. They didn't ask for any proof

[bramblerose]

I wish Mr R and I could get it. More for him than me. He's got a crazy few months coming up, doing back to back theatre and some properly silly commuting right through winter.

I mean, if I stretched the point about my Mum I could qualify us but technically I don't think we fit a category. She's almost 80, immuno compromised (Crohn's meds) but while we usually see her every week we don't live with her ("household contact")or "provide care" since she's basically well. That said I'm an only child and if something were to happen....

We paid for flu jabs earlier this week so at least that's done.

I'm the same Rebs, my mum is 90, fit and healthy for her age and I see her every week but don't provide care but also need to be on call if anything happened.

Boots cancelled our flu jabs on Tuesday but I didn't get the notification so we trotted off to the appointment and the woman was so rude. I flounced out muttering under my breath. ANYWAY, we've hopefully got another appointment at the same store tonight I will ring to check later.

C qualifies for a booster so I'll go with him and see if I can blag one.

[Rebel Pebble]

Boots cancelled our flu jabs on Tuesday but I didn't get the notification so we trotted off to the appointment and the woman was so rude. I flounced out muttering under my breath. ANYWAY, we've hopefully got another appointment at the same store tonight I will ring to check later.

Good grief, that's bad! Boots are awful these days, for anything. I avoid the town centre one as much as possible so we booked at Tesco this time, who were remarkably efficient.

Hmm. I think giving it a go as walk ins is on the cards then.....

[bramblerose]

I am fuming. Our appointment has been cancelled again and when I rang, they can do the NHS free jabs but not the paid for ones which is absolutely ridiculous!

I'll have to ring around now.

[Marth]

My boots flu jab was cancelled as well

[Rebel Pebble]

Really appalling! I think the staffing situation at Boots is seriously fucked. They've closed all the little Bootses around here but done nothing to improve the staffing levels at the main one. As a result the queue for prescriptions is out the door and they don't have someone covering the OTC till separately so if you want Night Nurse or whatever you're stuck waiting with all the prescription people.

Nothing explains the "we can only do the free shot" stance though. That's just plain weird. If you have a big Tesco with a pharmacy within striking distance, give them a try. I'd never guessed they would do them but they came up in a google search.

[wendy james]

We've used Tesco for flu jabs for years and never had any problems. Always P for his discount and me whenever my specific work voucher has allowed it.

[bramblerose]

We're booked in at our local Asda which is not only nearer but cheaper!

The Boots we were going to is closing in Jan. There are always queues out of the door for prescriptions as it is next to a doctor's surgery but the shop itself is always quiet.

[Rosa]

I mean, if I stretched the point about my Mum I could qualify us but technically I don't think we fit a category. She's almost 80, immuno compromised (Crohn's meds) but while we usually see her every week we don't live with her ("household contact")or "provide care" since she's basically well. That said I'm an only child and if something were to happen...

Rebs, I would definitely book boosters under the caring category. If you're seeing your mum every week, it seems sensible to do everything you can to protect her. I don't believe there are any further checks, you can just tick that box when booking.

[ParisGal]

The decline of Boots is so sad, they used to be brilliant.

We paid 40€ ish for two walk-in 'flu jabs yesterday at our local chemists (you can't make appts for some reason).

[dizzyd]

I had absolutely no qualms about using my mum as a reason to have the vaccine.
My sister leaves 300 miles away so really it's just me.
I did it to protect her
If there were shortages I might have waited so those in more immediate need got it but it seems like sadly the uptake this time is very low

I wish they would offer it privately like the flu jab - on that subject I had mine done in Tesco

[Rebel Pebble]

I mean, if I stretched the point about my Mum I could qualify us but technically I don't think we fit a category. She's almost 80, immuno compromised (Crohn's meds) but while we usually see her every week we don't live with her ("household contact")or "provide care" since she's basically well. That said I'm an only child and if something were to happen...

Rebs, I would definitely book boosters under the caring category. If you're seeing your mum every week, it seems sensible to do everything you can to protect her. I don't believe there are any further checks, you can just tick that box when booking.

Yep, I'm beginning to realise it's a no-brainer. Especially if take up is so low.

[Cerise]

I wish Mr R and I could get it. More for him than me. He's got a crazy few months coming up, doing back to back theatre and some properly silly commuting right through winter.

I mean, if I stretched the point about my Mum I could qualify us but technically I don't think we fit a category. She's almost 80, immuno compromised (Crohn's meds) but while we usually see her every week we don't live with her ("household contact")or "provide care" since she's basically well. That said I'm an only child and if something were to happen....

We paid for flu jabs earlier this week so at least that's done.

I would totally milk it!

[Marth]

Nothing explains the "we can only do the free shot" stance though. That's just plain weird. If you have a big Tesco with a pharmacy within striking distance, give them a try. I'd never guessed they would do them but they came up in a google search.

I imagine because the free shot people have been assessed as vulnerable and are probably taking priority.

I got the impression that COVID staff would really just ensure as many people as possible had thier boosters. I think the not checking proof is sort of a quiet acceptance of that.

[Kenickie]

I really wish they'd open up the boosters to everyone or for payment as well. I don't feel comfortable lying (not saying anyone here is, just that I would be as I have no reason to get it!) but really don't want to have it and be caring for 3 kids who will probably get it as well.

I had my flu jab in Boots and it was all fine, but that was a few weeks ago so maybe they're low on stock now?

[Marth]

Our workplace isn't even advising us about it. Just a standard "Get it if you qualify" and the gov link. None of us have been invited by the NHS, and we do qualify.

[FiveO'Clock]

I'm really surprised the vaccines aren't available to anyone who wants one. I'd definitely take the jab to protect a more vulnerable family member!

[Rebel Pebble]

I imagine because the free shot people have been assessed as vulnerable and are probably taking priority.

Yes, that does make sense.

Right, I have booked us in up the road for Saturday. :)) Oddly, Mr R just got a text saying he was eligible for a free flu vaccine, which I don't understand and it's too late anyway.