Rule changes mean people aged 65 to 74 who do not have a serious illness are no longer eligible for free NHS covid jabs – those impacted fear health bosses are playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with their lives
Some of the six million people no longer eligible for free NHS Covid vaccines have told how they feel health bosses are playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with their lives.
Rule changes came into force this year meaning people aged 65 to 74 years old, who do not have a serious illness which weakens the immune system, are no longer eligible for free NHS covid jabs. Two new strains of the virus – Nimbus and Stratus – continue to take hold in the UK, leaving patients complaining of a ‘razor blade’ sore throat on top of typical covid-like symptoms.
Last week government data showed there had been 100 deaths from Covid, the highest level in five months since May. Confirmed infections were up by 10% and over 2,000 patients were hospitalised with the virus in England.
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Tracy Slaney, 55, from Mansfield, who has got heart failure, is a double amputee, blind in one eye and is housebound. She said: “I know if I catch it I know it’s going to affect me badly, for me it could be life threatening. It’s like Russian Roulette.
“I’m disgusted to be honest, I’ve had every other one but I’m not allowed this one and there’s new strains coming out all the time. I’ve had my flu jab so why can’t I have covid? I am on edge all the time in case I get it. It would get me good and proper. I would probably kill half the people they are refusing to protect.”
For the past two years, all people 65 and over have been invited for a Covid booster jab to protect them during the winter months. In 2022, the jab was offered to all over-50s.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the UK government, announced that only those aged 75 and over should get the option on the NHS this year.
Frontline health and social care workers are also no longer eligible for a booster dose after the plan was announced in June for the winter season.
Linda Arthur, 72, and John Arthur, 74 from Kent, will not get an NHS jab and neither will their daughter Alexandra who is 37 years old with profound learning difficulties. She’s been in her nursing home with 24 hour care since she was 21 and has complex medical needs.
Linda said: “She is very vulnerable to respiratory problems, pneumonia and has in the past been hospitalised quite a few times on oxygen because of that. Until now had offers of covid boosters.
“This recent ruling has excluded the residents of her nursing home unless their immune system is compromised, which is incredibly worrying. It doesn’t make sense. They are vulnerable because their carers are coming in and they no longer qualify for vaccinations, so they could quite easily have an outbreak in her home.”
There are concerns that people aged 65 to 74 with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk of severe disease and even death.
- Elderly care homes residents can still get an NHS jab. Click HERE for full eligibility criteria.
- The free jabs are available for those who qualify at pharmacies as well as a host of NHS walk-in vaccination sites. Click HERE to find one nearest to you.
People who aren’t eligible for the free NHS vaccinations can get them privately from some high street pharmacies. Prices vary but the flu vaccine is available for about £20 whereas the Covid booster costs about £100.
Anyone aged 12 or older can get vaccinated at high street pharmacies including major chains such as Boots, Well Pharmacy and Rowlands Pharmacy.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, said: “This change of policy has slipped under the radar and many 65-74 year olds will be unaware they are not eligible as in previous years.
“As Covid cases rise and new variants continue to spread, it’s crucial people give themselves the right protection.
“While the Covid booster vaccine is available for a select group of patients, the wider public have the opportunity to ensure they are protected from severe infection.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Eligibility for Covid-19 vaccination is based on expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).”