Coronavirus vaccination website booking system 30 January 2021 at 6:04PM in Praise, vent & warnings 32 replies 1.9K views

badger09

Our invitation letters arrived today, redirected from previous address.
Log in, enter all relevant info and offered 1st dose at relatively local centre (5 miles from old house, 20+ from new house but that's fine. my choice to move house) 18th or 19th Feb. Choose 18th, choose time slot - several available BUT you have to book both 1st & 2nd doses at the same time and there are no appointments at all available for 2nd dose, unless I'm prepared to travel nearly 50 miles. Same applies to 19th Feb.

Try again later & miraculously, they're offering appointment at same local centre 4th Feb - book that & book 2nd dose 23rd April. Can't believe my luck but by the time I've entered mobile number for confirmation of booking I get error message -'Sorry but one of those appointments is no longer available. Please select another' or something to that effect. Would be good helpful to know which appointment is no longer available, but they don't so have to start all over again, by which time 4th Feb has disappeared and same story re 18th/19th - no 2nd dose appointments available. 

General_Grant

badger09 said:

Our invitation letters arrived today, redirected from previous address.
Log in, enter all relevant info and offered 1st dose at relatively local centre (5 miles from old house, 20+ from new house but that's fine. my choice to move house) 18th or 19th Feb. Choose 18th, choose time slot - several available BUT you have to book both 1st & 2nd doses at the same time and there are no appointments at all available for 2nd dose, unless I'm prepared to travel nearly 50 miles. Same applies to 19th Feb.

Try again later & miraculously, they're offering appointment at same local centre 4th Feb - book that & book 2nd dose 23rd April. Can't believe my luck but by the time I've entered mobile number for confirmation of booking I get error message -'Sorry but one of those appointments is no longer available. Please select another' or something to that effect. Would be good helpful to know which appointment is no longer available, but they don't so have to start all over again, by which time 4th Feb has disappeared and same story re 18th/19th - no 2nd dose appointments available. 

My letter arrived yesterday (Friday) though dated 22 January.  (My local GP practice had phoned on Thursday offering first appointment at local hub, not the practice.

However the envelope was clearly marked with "DO NOT FORWARD" and a request to "return to sender" if the addressee was no longer at the address.  Perhaps Royal Mail shouldn't have re-directed it.

Are you registered with the same GP as when you lived at your previous address?  If you are, are you still in their catchment area?

tacpot12

Yes, the booking system does have its problems, but you will appreciate that it was put together at very short notice and so some rough edges are to be expected. You could see if there is a way to provide feedback on the website, but I doubt there as as they would be overwhelmed! 
I say that you will just keep trying and be grateful that you have been prioritised to receive a vaccination - I'm not expecting to get my first dose until July and my second dose until September/October time. It will be nearly Christmas before I have the immunity the vaccine can provide! 

badger09

General_Grant said:

badger09 said:

Our invitation letters arrived today, redirected from previous address.
Log in, enter all relevant info and offered 1st dose at relatively local centre (5 miles from old house, 20+ from new house but that's fine. my choice to move house) 18th or 19th Feb. Choose 18th, choose time slot - several available BUT you have to book both 1st & 2nd doses at the same time and there are no appointments at all available for 2nd dose, unless I'm prepared to travel nearly 50 miles. Same applies to 19th Feb.

Try again later & miraculously, they're offering appointment at same local centre 4th Feb - book that & book 2nd dose 23rd April. Can't believe my luck but by the time I've entered mobile number for confirmation of booking I get error message -'Sorry but one of those appointments is no longer available. Please select another' or something to that effect. Would be good helpful to know which appointment is no longer available, but they don't so have to start all over again, by which time 4th Feb has disappeared and same story re 18th/19th - no 2nd dose appointments available. 

My letter arrived yesterday (Friday) though dated 22 January.  (My local GP practice had phoned on Thursday offering first appointment at local hub, not the practice.

However the envelope was clearly marked with "DO NOT FORWARD" and a request to "return to sender" if the addressee was no longer at the address.  Perhaps Royal Mail shouldn't have re-directed it.

Are you registered with the same GP as when you lived at your previous address?  If you are, are you still in their catchment area?

Of course RM should have forwarded the letter. We’ve paid for precisely that service. 

Because we did not know how long we would be in temp accommodation between sale & purchase, we have not registered with new GP. My worst nightmare would be re registering, in different countries (England to Wales then back to England again) within a few weeks. So although not still within catchment area, we are still with ‘old’ GP. I know there is a risk to that, but less risk than falling through the cracks. 

badger09

tacpot12 said:

Yes, the booking system does have its problems, but you will appreciate that it was put together at very short notice and so some rough edges are to be expected. You could see if there is a way to provide feedback on the website, but I doubt there as as they would be overwhelmed! 
I say that you will just keep trying and be grateful that you have been prioritised to receive a vaccination - I'm not expecting to get my first dose until July and my second dose until September/October time. It will be nearly Christmas before I have the immunity the vaccine can provide! 

I do accept that and I am indeed grateful that as over 70s we have been prioritised. I guess I was disappointed that despite several hours of trying on the website and a phone call with a very pleasant young man, I wasn’t able to accept the invitation. 

I will keep trying 

Torry_Quine

That does sound frustrating for you. I hope you get it sorted soon. 
It must be different depending on where you are. Everyone I know is sent a letter with the appointment dates and times on it. 

JamoLew

badger09 said:

General_Grant said:

badger09 said:

Our invitation letters arrived today, redirected from previous address.
Log in, enter all relevant info and offered 1st dose at relatively local centre (5 miles from old house, 20+ from new house but that's fine. my choice to move house) 18th or 19th Feb. Choose 18th, choose time slot - several available BUT you have to book both 1st & 2nd doses at the same time and there are no appointments at all available for 2nd dose, unless I'm prepared to travel nearly 50 miles. Same applies to 19th Feb.

Try again later & miraculously, they're offering appointment at same local centre 4th Feb - book that & book 2nd dose 23rd April. Can't believe my luck but by the time I've entered mobile number for confirmation of booking I get error message -'Sorry but one of those appointments is no longer available. Please select another' or something to that effect. Would be good helpful to know which appointment is no longer available, but they don't so have to start all over again, by which time 4th Feb has disappeared and same story re 18th/19th - no 2nd dose appointments available. 

My letter arrived yesterday (Friday) though dated 22 January.  (My local GP practice had phoned on Thursday offering first appointment at local hub, not the practice.

However the envelope was clearly marked with "DO NOT FORWARD" and a request to "return to sender" if the addressee was no longer at the address.  Perhaps Royal Mail shouldn't have re-directed it.

Are you registered with the same GP as when you lived at your previous address?  If you are, are you still in their catchment area?

Of course RM should have forwarded the letter. We’ve paid for precisely that service. 

Because we did not know how long we would be in temp accommodation between sale & purchase, we have not registered with new GP. My worst nightmare would be re registering, in different countries (England to Wales then back to England again) within a few weeks. So although not still within catchment area, we are still with ‘old’ GP. I know there is a risk to that, but less risk than falling through the cracks. 

I disagree - appointments will be given based on availability near your recorded address

By moving house and not having an accurate address on file with the NHS you are effectively "out of zone"

If you had moved say 200 miles - you would be complaining about such a long journey, as it is, you are lucky its not a huge difference

General_Grant

badger09 said:

General_Grant said:

badger09 said:

Our invitation letters arrived today, redirected from previous address.
Log in, enter all relevant info and offered 1st dose at relatively local centre (5 miles from old house, 20+ from new house but that's fine. my choice to move house) 18th or 19th Feb. Choose 18th, choose time slot - several available BUT you have to book both 1st & 2nd doses at the same time and there are no appointments at all available for 2nd dose, unless I'm prepared to travel nearly 50 miles. Same applies to 19th Feb.

Try again later & miraculously, they're offering appointment at same local centre 4th Feb - book that & book 2nd dose 23rd April. Can't believe my luck but by the time I've entered mobile number for confirmation of booking I get error message -'Sorry but one of those appointments is no longer available. Please select another' or something to that effect. Would be good helpful to know which appointment is no longer available, but they don't so have to start all over again, by which time 4th Feb has disappeared and same story re 18th/19th - no 2nd dose appointments available. 

My letter arrived yesterday (Friday) though dated 22 January.  (My local GP practice had phoned on Thursday offering first appointment at local hub, not the practice.

However the envelope was clearly marked with "DO NOT FORWARD" and a request to "return to sender" if the addressee was no longer at the address.  Perhaps Royal Mail shouldn't have re-directed it.

Are you registered with the same GP as when you lived at your previous address?  If you are, are you still in their catchment area?

Of course RM should have forwarded the letter. We’ve paid for precisely that service. 

Because we did not know how long we would be in temp accommodation between sale & purchase, we have not registered with new GP. My worst nightmare would be re registering, in different countries (England to Wales then back to England again) within a few weeks. So although not still within catchment area, we are still with ‘old’ GP. I know there is a risk to that, but less risk than falling through the cracks. 

And the organisation which paid RM for the letter to be delivered to your old address gave very clear instruction on the front of the envelope that it should be returned to them, not forwarded to your new address in a different country,

badger09

Torry_Quine said:

That does sound frustrating for you. I hope you get it sorted soon. 
It must be different depending on where you are. Everyone I know is sent a letter with the appointment dates and times on it. 

As I understand it, are 2 systems in play. My friend (over 80 & clinically vulnerable @ same GP Practice) had phone call from the surgery offering her an appointment at very short notice back in December.

Our letters were issued by NHS England, as were those to our friends who live in the village we are moving to. They were all issued on the same date and we are all in the over 70s group. 

JamoLew said:

badger09 said:

General_Grant said:

badger09 said:

Our invitation letters arrived today, redirected from previous address.
Log in, enter all relevant info and offered 1st dose at relatively local centre (5 miles from old house, 20+ from new house but that's fine. my choice to move house) 18th or 19th Feb. Choose 18th, choose time slot - several available BUT you have to book both 1st & 2nd doses at the same time and there are no appointments at all available for 2nd dose, unless I'm prepared to travel nearly 50 miles. Same applies to 19th Feb.

Try again later & miraculously, they're offering appointment at same local centre 4th Feb - book that & book 2nd dose 23rd April. Can't believe my luck but by the time I've entered mobile number for confirmation of booking I get error message -'Sorry but one of those appointments is no longer available. Please select another' or something to that effect. Would be good helpful to know which appointment is no longer available, but they don't so have to start all over again, by which time 4th Feb has disappeared and same story re 18th/19th - no 2nd dose appointments available. 

My letter arrived yesterday (Friday) though dated 22 January.  (My local GP practice had phoned on Thursday offering first appointment at local hub, not the practice.

However the envelope was clearly marked with "DO NOT FORWARD" and a request to "return to sender" if the addressee was no longer at the address.  Perhaps Royal Mail shouldn't have re-directed it.

Are you registered with the same GP as when you lived at your previous address?  If you are, are you still in their catchment area?

Of course RM should have forwarded the letter. We’ve paid for precisely that service. 

Because we did not know how long we would be in temp accommodation between sale & purchase, we have not registered with new GP. My worst nightmare would be re registering, in different countries (England to Wales then back to England again) within a few weeks. So although not still within catchment area, we are still with ‘old’ GP. I know there is a risk to that, but less risk than falling through the cracks. 

I disagree - appointments will be given based on availability near your recorded address

By moving house and not having an accurate address on file with the NHS you are effectively "out of zone"

If you had moved say 200 miles - you would be complaining about such a long journey, as it is, you are lucky its not a huge difference

If you are going to take the moral high ground, please check your facts before doing so.

NHS England is issuing invitations to book appointments in batches, based on age/need. Once the invitation is received, individuals choose which centre to travel to. Those centres are offered to a wide area of residential postcodes. It is then up to the individual to choose how far they are willing, or able to travel.
Alternatively, they can wait to be contacted by their GP Practice.

Torry_Quine

badger09 said:

Torry_Quine said:

That does sound frustrating for you. I hope you get it sorted soon. 
It must be different depending on where you are. Everyone I know is sent a letter with the appointment dates and times on it. 

As I understand it, are 2 systems in play. My friend (over 80 & clinically vulnerable @ same GP Practice) had phone call from the surgery offering her an appointment at very short notice back in December.

JamoLew said:

badger09 said:

General_Grant said:

badger09 said:

Our invitation letters arrived today, redirected from previous address.
Log in, enter all relevant info and offered 1st dose at relatively local centre (5 miles from old house, 20+ from new house but that's fine. my choice to move house) 18th or 19th Feb. Choose 18th, choose time slot - several available BUT you have to book both 1st & 2nd doses at the same time and there are no appointments at all available for 2nd dose, unless I'm prepared to travel nearly 50 miles. Same applies to 19th Feb.

Try again later & miraculously, they're offering appointment at same local centre 4th Feb - book that & book 2nd dose 23rd April. Can't believe my luck but by the time I've entered mobile number for confirmation of booking I get error message -'Sorry but one of those appointments is no longer available. Please select another' or something to that effect. Would be good helpful to know which appointment is no longer available, but they don't so have to start all over again, by which time 4th Feb has disappeared and same story re 18th/19th - no 2nd dose appointments available. 

My letter arrived yesterday (Friday) though dated 22 January.  (My local GP practice had phoned on Thursday offering first appointment at local hub, not the practice.

However the envelope was clearly marked with "DO NOT FORWARD" and a request to "return to sender" if the addressee was no longer at the address.  Perhaps Royal Mail shouldn't have re-directed it.

Are you registered with the same GP as when you lived at your previous address?  If you are, are you still in their catchment area?

Of course RM should have forwarded the letter. We’ve paid for precisely that service. 

Because we did not know how long we would be in temp accommodation between sale & purchase, we have not registered with new GP. My worst nightmare would be re registering, in different countries (England to Wales then back to England again) within

I disagree - appointments will be given based on availability near your recorded address

By moving house and not having an accurate address on file with the NHS you are effectively "out of zone"

If you had moved say 200 miles - you would be complaining about such a long journey, as it is, you are lucky its not a huge difference

They are all over 80 and none contacted by GP but all had jags at surgery.  This was all in the last couple of weeks and some appointments haven't happened yet.

mac.d

If you are still registered with the same GP I think the letter being redirected (or not) is immaterial*. The only issue is the availability of appointments. So if you don't get a letter with an actual appointment and have to book it online or via telephone, you just have to accept that everyone who is eligible is trying to get an appointment, so its just a matter of persevering and trying to get a slot.

*But in saying that, the letter probably shouldn't have been redirected. Royal Mail terms state: "There are laws that prevent us from redirecting certain items. There are also laws that require us to return certain items to the sender and we may need to inform the authorities of this (for example, mail from government departments related to benefits). Even if we accept an application, any such items will not be redirected to the new address."