Why are healthy 70 yr olds getting vaccine before older people in some areas

EMOT If the Carlisle area manages to vaccinate its over 75s very quickly, while Dover is running late. Are you suggesting that older people from Dover be bussed to Carlisle to get the vaccine or should Carlisle throwaway its unused vaccine rather than give it to local over 70s?

Some areas will always get through the vaccinations faster than others. the reasons can be anything from the different number of over 80s in different places, to population density and other quite ordinary reasons?

We think our GP has been very efficient with working down the patient lists, we had ours at short notice last week. It was pouring with rain, dark and cold and I did wonder if a number of those older than us would have found it difficult to come out in that weather. Our centre is also not that easy to access without a car, I am sure this must make a difference.

Thank you Casdon. I should have known that as I do try to keep up with the news but have got mixed up with the other nations.

AGAA4 it’s because in Wales the decision was made to vaccinate Health and Care workers before over 80s, but they are catching up now, and additional vaccination centres have opened from today so things will move quickly now - although there’s a 26,000 dose shortfall for the AstraZeneca vaccine delivery this week which means that the GP practice rollout will be slower than they hoped.

I haven't read all this thread so it may already have been mentioned but I was concerned that some of the 80 + group had not been seen, but the 70's have been started on. Then found out that at least two of the older ones I know of had not heard their phones ringing to offer them an appointment!

We seem to be behind with our vaccine roll out here in Wales but I will just wait patiently till my turn comes.

I live in Kent on the border with a london borough and have been surprised how many people i know in their 60s with no health problems , (yes i do know, they are fit walkers) who live within the london boundary and have already had their vaccinations.
BBC report today that there is a problem with vaccinations in Kent, many over 80s and those with health problems have heard nothing. Just my luck but will be so excited when I get the call.

The 70 and over, and those younger with various ( serious) health problems are being called now in my area ( for this week)?
I think the problem with getting the vaccine to those 80 and over and in care homes has been getting them to a hub or hospital for the Vaccine stored at very low temperature.
The roll out is going fantastically well, the UK is well ahead of European countries.
Israel has a tiny population.

Took mum in her 90s to have the other day.To be fair the delay was her declining it when the surgery rang to invite her initially.
I must say I was very impressed how efficiently they got so many in and out and how helpful they were.The majority were elderly but there were some younger people receiving it.I have no idea what criteria they fulfilled ,and if they get it well ahead of me so be it.It just felt good to see something so positive happening.

Southwest London here, some surgeries started a couple of weeks ago before ours, but DH got his last Thursday, he is 82, I'm 72 and get mine on Wednesday.

A friend of mine, 72, no particular health conditions, is getting his this afternoon.

I'm only Group 5 (and a different health authority), aged 65 - but on the plus side, I will finally get my State Pension this year!!

To be honest, I am over 70 but I would much happier if my children with young families were more secure than I and had the vaccine before me. Still, there are obviously other considerations why elderly people have priority.

My mum (83) has this afternoon just had the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, three weeks after she had the first dose. We’re in Manchester.

A friend of mine who lives in London rang me to say she was havig the vaccine on Friday at her GP's surgery. She is 76. Where we live and in quite a number of other places in the country many over 80s have still heard nothing.

I know one person who has received the vaccination; she is 95 and lives about a hundred miles away. I have not heard of anyone in my area receiving it.

It seems to be a postcode lottery. My local paper reports today that all the people who were vaccinated on 19 December, including care home residents, will receive their second dose on 9 January. Four GP practices are working together to administer them.

Apparently, all new bookings might have to wait up to 12 weeks.

I haven't read the whole thread, but thought I'd mention this apropos of the op.
My Grandmother is 96 and she is in a care home, she has not heard anything about when she will have the vaccine.

Aepgirl - one of the reasons under 80s are getting the Pzr vaccine is it has to be used once open. If 80+ dont turn up for their appts, Hospitals, GPs etc have to find alternatives who can come in immediately.

That doesn’t seem right. 70year olds are, I think, the 4th age group to receive the vaccine. There must be some mistake.

My son is front line NHS and hasn't had the vaccine. However his hospital is delivering the Pzr one and he reports that every day many dont turn up for appts. Rather than going to waste at the end of the day staff frantically go round the hospital offering it to medical staff and others ie in/out patients to ensure none is wasted.

my husband is 75 but is on the extremely vulnerable list, he hasnt had a vaccine yet, couple of neighbours over 80 have had theirs

My 98 year old mum was phoned by the GPS and invited for vaccination within days of bit being rolled out.She declined to have it saying she's had enough and doesn't want to be here anymore .So frustrating!After a chat she has agreed she will have it as I explained it's not just about protecting her,but myself and her carers, and who will look after her if she gets it.I have requested she is put back on the list but we're still waiting.In the meantime two other relatives have had theirs as have several of my neighbours.All in early 80s.

Immunity declines post 50. General fitness is not the same as immunity from infection.

I am 83 I should add.

This is all beginning to sound like the unfulfilled promises of the Track and Trace system.