Several individuals among the six million no longer qualifying for complimentary NHS Covid vaccines have expressed concerns that health authorities are taking risks with their well-being.
Policy adjustments implemented this year have excluded individuals aged 65 to 74 without underlying health conditions that compromise their immune systems from receiving free NHS Covid vaccinations. The emergence of two new virus variants, Nimbus and Stratus, in the UK has led to patients reporting experiencing a sharp sore throat in addition to typical Covid symptoms.
Recent government data revealed a spike in Covid-related deaths, reaching the highest level in five months since May, with a 10% increase in confirmed infections and over 2,000 hospitalizations due to the virus in England.
Tracy Slaney, aged 55 from Mansfield, who suffers from heart failure, is a double amputee, blind in one eye, and confined to her home, expressed her dismay, stating, “I feel like I’m playing a game of chance. I’ve received all other vaccinations but am now excluded from this one, despite the constant emergence of new variants. I’m constantly on edge fearing I might contract the virus, which could have severe consequences for me and many others who are being denied protection.”
Over the past two years, individuals aged 65 and above have been invited for Covid booster shots to safeguard them during the winter months. In 2022, the booster was extended to include all individuals over 50.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), an advisory body to the UK government, recommended that only individuals aged 75 and above should be offered the NHS booster this year.
Frontline healthcare and social care workers are no longer entitled to receive a booster shot following the announcement made earlier in the year for the upcoming winter season.
Linda Arthur, 72, and John Arthur, 74, from Kent, along with their 37-year-old daughter Alexandra, who has significant learning disabilities and complex medical needs, are ineligible for an NHS booster. Linda highlighted the vulnerability of her daughter to respiratory issues and pneumonia, expressing concern over the exclusion of nursing home residents from the booster program, which could lead to potential outbreaks.
There are worries that individuals aged 65 to 74 with conditions like asthma and COPD are at heightened risk of severe illness and mortality.
For those not qualifying for free NHS vaccinations, private options are available at various high street pharmacies. Prices differ, with the flu vaccine typically costing around £20 and the Covid booster priced at approximately £100.
Individuals aged 12 and above can access vaccinations at major high street pharmacies such as Boots, Well Pharmacy, and Rowlands Pharmacy.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, raised concerns that many individuals aged 65-74 might be unaware of their ineligibility for the NHS booster this year due to recent policy changes. He emphasized the importance of obtaining the necessary protection as Covid cases rise and
