My cynical theory is that, as 'Freedom' day approached, various organisations supporting (immunosuppressed) vulnerable patients did a bit of lobbying and there was a dim realisation by the government that those who were unlikely to have mounted an antibody response to the vaccines had not been considered.
All the government could come up with (after consultation) was - give the vulnerable another dose of vaccine. I understand there is some evidence that this may help some of us to make some antibodies but reliable data are not yet available.
So with careful forethought, letters from the Health Minister went to all identified as vulnerable to tell them they were to be given the 3rd Primary dose - preferably a mRNA vaccine. Letters were also sent to GPs and Consultants and the 'Green Book' updated. Job done! There has been little consultation and planning for the roughly 500,000 of us immunocompromised and who have needed to shield since spring 2020 - well, how hard can it be (we are expensive to treat anyway)?
I could write several paragraphs on the processes I have been through to get my 3rd Primary dose. It became a mission even though I don't think it will help me.
I eventually sent an email to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for my Clinical Commissioning Group area and received a reply requesting information. I heard no more after replying but I was sent an appointment for the 3rd primary dose about a week later.
There are many frail and sick patients among us who are unable to fend for themselves. They are reliant on the NHS to do the right thing for them. In these difficult times, they need advocates. Perhaps PALS would be a good place to start, I found emails seem to be the most effective.
I'm lucky, although vulnerable, I'm not frail and am capable following up leads using technology and bloody-mindedness. I shouldn't have to do this and hope that fellow sufferers get the help they need. I'm also aware that being immunocompromised does not just affect the older members of the population. It must be harder still for the young to get all the right vaccinations and boosters as they don't fall into the 'right' vaccincation age groups.
Like AcornFairy I have regular infusions of immunoglobulins, so I am provided with antibodies made by those generous enough to be blood plasma donors. With luck, some Covid antibodies may be appearing in my infusions soon. I want to check if I have any protection so intend to take a private Covid antibody test soon.
I'd just like to go shopping and have a meal out, cautiously of course.