Trying to negotiate the vaccine merry-go-round | Letters

I am a retired dentist and practising acupuncturist, and wished to volunteer as a Covid vaccinator (Letters, 5 January). I’ve been attempting to full the on-line software type on the NHS Professionals web site since Saturday. There are not any volunteering alternatives and I’ve to apply for a paid non-professional vaccinator put up, as I’m not registered with the British Dental Association.

The hyperlink to apply for this put up doesn’t work. On a dwell chat at the weekend I had a Groundhog Day expertise of being referred many instances to the web site that I used to be already on, then it was steered I modify system, then use the most up-to-date type of Chrome. I used to be then informed it might be working by Tuesday; it was not.

If I ever get to finishing the software, there are a number of hours price of modules I’ve to do earlier than I might be thought-about, which I might be ready to do. The authorities has recognized for months that it might want additional personnel. I really feel like I’m collaborating in a weird endurance check and swing between rage and despair. I’m certain I’m not alone.
Paula Dunleavy
Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

• As a retired healthcare skilled considering wading by hours of e-learning modules to change into a volunteer vaccinator, ought to a hearth alarm sound whereas arguing about the appropriate use of PPE with a terminally unwell particular person struggling cardiac arrest, I’ll know it is vital to recognise the indicators of radicalisation and the location of the knowledge logger on the medicines fridge. Haven’t even acquired to the “jabby” bit but.
Paul Baines
Bristol

• 21 December: I’ve my first Pfizer vaccine jab at the Norfolk and Norwich college hospital. I’m informed I have to return on 18 January, for which I’m booked in, for the vaccine to be efficient.

6 January: a name comes from the vaccination centre to inform me that authorities tips imply that my second jab is postponed till 1 March. After strongly protesting and saying that Pfizer doesn’t have proof that the vaccine is efficient past three weeks, I’m informed they will’t implement this transformation and that 18 January remains to be booked for me.

12 January: a telephone name comes from the hospital to inform me that my 18 January appointment is cancelled once more and {that a} GP observe will contact me at a later date to supply me a jab. After I protest, the caller says that she’ll get her supervisor to ring me.

Ten minutes later she rings again to say that she’s consulted her supervisor and the 18 January appointment remains to be booked for me.

Fifteen minutes later: a name comes from the hospital telling me that due to very just lately acquired authorities tips, it has cancelled my 18 January appointment and I’ll hear from a GP observe providing a jab at some future date. The caller apologises and says I’ve been badly messed about.
Martin Payne
Bawburgh, Norfolk

• My 91-year-old mom lives alone, with help from a carer and relations. This week, feeling unwell, she phoned me in a breathless state. I steered she name 111 whereas ready for me to get to her. Their recommendation was to “go online”. Last week, I requested her well being centre why she had not but been supplied a Covid vaccination and was informed that that they had prioritised sufferers who might be contacted by textual content message. My mom doesn’t have a pc and can’t handle texts. So in these instances of disaster for the outdated and susceptible, they’re being discriminated towards as a result of they haven’t any entry to advances in expertise. Shocking.
Melanie White
Reading, Berkshire