"The criteria has been tightened this year so that only those aged 75 and older are being offered free boosters, along with younger patients who have a weakened immune system."
""That obviously takes a lot of explaining to patients. It causes upset, concern and maybe anger for some patients. "We've certainly had examples of some patients becoming abusive with pharmacy team members.""
""This should have been avoidable and it is deeply frustrating for both pharmacies and patients. We urge any patient in this situation to treat pharmacy teams with respect as pharmacies try and manage the new NHS clinical criteria.""
"Between a third and a half of people who turn up for their appointment are having to be turned away at many sites, according to Community Pharmacy England (CPE), which represents more than 10,000 chemists including many major chains."
Eligibility for free Covid booster jabs in England has been tightened to people aged 75 and older and younger patients with weakened immune systems. Between a third and a half of people attending booked appointments at many pharmacies are being turned away because they no longer meet the criteria. Pharmacies can offer only the flu jab to those ineligible for the booster. Pharmacy teams have reported angry and frustrated patients and incidents of abuse. Many people appear to miss eligibility information on the NHS booking system and assume they are still eligible. Pharmacy representative bodies have raised concerns with NHS England and the government and urged greater public communication and respect for staff.
Read at www.bbc.com
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