Pharmacies across England are reporting a surge in frustrated and, in some cases, abusive patients arriving for Covid-19 booster shots only to discover thay are no longer eligible under updated NHS guidelines. The issue arose shortly after the NHS online booking system went live last week, according to Alastair Buxton, director of NHS services at the Company Chemists Association.
Buxton explained that many individuals are unaware of the revised eligibility criteria and are mistakenly assuming they can still receive a Covid-19 vaccine. Upon arrival at pharmacies, they are then only offered a flu jab, leading to “upset, concern and maybe anger,” he said.
“we’ve certainly had examples of some patients becoming abusive wiht pharmacy team members,” Buxton added.
Henry Gregg,head of the National Pharmacy Association,representing independent pharmacists,stated the problem has been brought to the attention of NHS England and the government. “This should have been avoidable and it is deeply frustrating for both pharmacies and patients,” Gregg said. “We urge any patient in this situation to treat pharmacy teams with respect as pharmacies try and manage the new NHS clinical criteria.”
Pharmacists have expressed concern that insufficient communication was provided regarding the changes,especially given the overlap between the flu and Covid-19 vaccination programs last year.
In response, NHS England has revised the wording on its website to more clearly outline the tightened eligibility requirements.an NHS spokeswoman emphasized the importance of checking eligibility before booking. “Please double check you are still eligible to receive a Covid vaccine before booking – the NHS website sets out whether your age, health condition or medication means you are eligible, and your GP practice or pharmacist will confirm this before giving you the vaccine.”
