Patients presenting as Immunosuppressed for Covid vaccinations
As you will be aware one of the cohorts for the Spring vaccination program are immunosuppressed patients as defined in the immunosuppressed section of either Table 3 or 4, chapter 14a of the Green Book.
Patients can book appointments through the NBS booking service stating they are immunosuppressed or are being sent letters from GP practices when potentially they do not fall into this category.
It can help for a patient to bring one of these on the day of their vaccine to prove eligibility:
- a hospital letter that describes the condition or treatment causing a weakened immune system.
- a prescription or a medicine box with the patients name and date showing when the medicine was prescribed - this must be for the condition or treatment causing a weakened immune system.
- a letter from a GP or hospital specialist requesting a vaccine for people with a weakened immune system.
We are aware that some patients present for their vaccine without any of the above information and that this can cause frustration for the patient and pharmacy team when they are turned away.
Below are some hints and tips to help:
- Prior to clinics print off the appointment list for that day and highlight any potential immunosuppressed patients, if time allows, contact the patient to ask their eligibility and to ask if they have one of the forms of proof listed above and could they bring it to the appointment.
- Following a review of the proof provided, if still unsure the eligibility criteria are met, refer the patient back to their GP or Consultant for clarification. Inform the patient that you can put them on a holding list and if confirmation of vaccine is received, they can be rebooked.
- Numark Information Services are available for general queries – 0800 783 5709, Option 2.
- For clarification you can also contact your local Screening and Immunisation Team for further information.