Elderly customers are abusing pharmacists after being denied the Covid jab on the NHS following a change in eligibility rules.
Chemists claim ‘poor communication’ from health officials and a ‘confusing’ online booking system has left many patients unaware of the change until they arrive in store.
It means staff are left to inform them that their NHS reservation is invalid and they can only get the Covid vaccine this winter if they pay privately – at a cost of around £100.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises ministers on vaccine use, has excluded 65 to 74-year-olds this year unless they are immunosuppressed.
But the NHS booking website allows users to self-declare their immunosuppression status and their entitlement is only checked at the point the jab is to be given.
The Independent Pharmacies Association described the decision to tighten eligibility criteria as a ‘false economy’, highlighting the high number of hospitalisations last year due to winter viruses.
Around 20 hospitals were forced to declare ‘critical incidents’ as they struggled to cope with an influx of elderly patients, many with flu or Covid.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, said: ‘This year JCVI decided to exclude patients in the 65 to 74-year age group from receiving the NHS covid jab unless immunosuppressed.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association
‘However, poor communication from NHS officials with patients about this, combined with a confusing NHS booking system, has led to many patients in that age group turning up to pharmacies thinking they can get the NHS Covid jab and are faced with disappointment when they are told they are not eligible to receive it on the NHS.
‘Pharmacy teams across the country are reporting aggressive behaviours by some patients including throwing objects at staff and shouting abuse. This is unacceptable.
‘It is not the fault of healthcare professionals that this confusion has happened and once again the frontline healthcare teams are having to take the brunt for this.
‘We have raised concerns with JCVI about their decision to exclude a big cohort of patients this year from receiving the NHS covid jab, particularly since last winter there were high numbers of hospitalisations due to winter viruses.
‘This looks like false economy. Patients who wish to get the covid jab but are not eligible can get this privately from pharmacies.’
NHS England said patient should check their eligibility for a Covid vaccine before booking an appointment through the National Booking System.
It warned they book ‘on the understanding that they may not receive the vaccine if they do not meet the eligibility criteria’ and stressed vaccinators will check as part of the pre-vaccination consultation.
The confusion comes as a new Covid variant known as XFG is thought to have fuelled a 60 per cent rise in hospital stays for patients with the virus.
Patients booking their Covid jab through the NHS website are asked to self-declare if they are immunosuppressed but this is only checked at the appointment
There is no evidence that the strain leads to more serious disease, but experts said mutations in the virus’s spike protein may give it a slight advantage when evading immunity generated by previous infection or vaccination.
UK Health Security Agency data shows the hospitalisation rate for Covid rose to 2.73 per 100,000 last week, up from 1.71 per 100,000 at the end of August.
At the end of August, 1,216 patients with the disease were already in England’s hospitals, figures show.
The NHS England website says the Covid jab will only be available on the NHS this year for people who are aged 75 or over; are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment; or live in a care home for older adults.
It gives examples of conditions and medical treatments that may weaken the immune system, including blood cancer, organ transplants, HIV, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
An NHS England spokesperson said: ‘The JCVI decides who is eligible for a Covid vaccination and this winter it is those aged 75 or over, anyone with a weakened immune system, or those living in older adult care homes, which is made clear when you book online.
‘If you are at risk, it is vital that you come forward to get vaccinated as soon as possible – you should check your eligibility before self-declaring and booking an appointment, and there is information about which conditions and medicines make you eligible on our website.’
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘The Government is committed to protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19 through vaccination, as guided by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
‘In line with JCVI advice, the autumn 2025 programme is focused on targeted vaccination of the oldest adults – those aged 75 years and over and residents in a care home for older adults – and individuals who are immunosuppressed.
‘These are the two groups who continue to be at higher risk of serious disease, including mortality.’
DHSC said people with symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, should limit contact with others and consider wearing a face covering if they need to leave home.
It also advises washing hands regularly, disposing of tissues in the bin and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .