Numerous individuals, part of the six million population who are no longer qualified for complimentary Covid vaccinations under the NHS, have expressed concerns that health authorities are endangering their lives through risky decisions.
This year, alterations to the regulations have excluded individuals between 65 and 74 years old, without significant immunodeficiency, from receiving free NHS Covid vaccinations. The emergence of two new virus strains – Nimbus and Stratus – continues to impact the UK, leading to patients experiencing a severe sore throat alongside typical Covid symptoms.
Recent government statistics revealed a spike in Covid-related deaths, reaching the highest level in five months since May, with a 10% increase in confirmed cases and over 2,000 hospitalized patients in England.
Tracy Slaney, a 55-year-old from Mansfield with multiple health challenges, voiced her distress at the exclusion from receiving the vaccine, citing the potential life-threatening consequences if she were to contract the virus. She likened the situation to a game of chance, expressing frustration at not being eligible for the vaccine despite having received other vaccinations and the continuous emergence of new virus strains.
Over the past two years, individuals aged 65 and above have been offered Covid booster shots for winter protection, with the eligibility criteria extended to over-50s in 2022.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), an advisory body to the UK government, announced that only individuals aged 75 and above would be eligible for NHS Covid vaccinations this year.
Additionally, frontline health and social care workers are no longer entitled to booster doses following the decision made in June for the upcoming winter season.
Linda Arthur, 72, and John Arthur, 74, from Kent, along with their daughter Alexandra, a 37-year-old with severe learning difficulties, will not receive NHS vaccinations. Alexandra, who requires constant care in a nursing home due to complex medical needs, is particularly vulnerable to respiratory issues and pneumonia, raising concerns about the new vaccination guidelines.
The exclusion of individuals aged 65 to 74 with conditions such as asthma and COPD from free NHS vaccinations raises worries about their susceptibility to severe illness and mortality.
For those ineligible for NHS vaccinations, private options are available at select high street pharmacies, with prices ranging around £20 for the flu vaccine and approximately £100 for the Covid booster.
Individuals aged 12 and above can access vaccinations at various high street pharmacies like Boots, Well Pharmacy, and Rowlands Pharmacy.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, emphasized the importance of staying informed about the new vaccination policies to ensure adequate protection against Covid and its variants.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care reiterated that Covid-19 vaccination eligibility is determined based on advice from the
