Doctors call for better messaging around Covid vaccine eligibility

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By Emma Wilkinson

GPs have called for better communication on decisions around Covid vaccine eligibility after concerns have been raised by older patients no longer able to get a booster on the NHS.

Many patients turning up for their flu vaccine are dismayed to find they are not also eligible for a Covid jab, clinicians have told Doctors.net.uk.

And there has been no effort to explain to patients – or to the clinicians getting questions – about why the criteria has changed, they said.

Pharmacists have also reported patients getting appointments for Covid vaccines through the NHS booking system and only realising they were not eligible when they turned up.

Community Pharmacy England said between a third and a half of people who turn up for their appointment are having to be turned away at many sites.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) announced last year that the groups eligible for the autumn booster would be greatly narrowed.