Too many cooks….
There have been many films about D-Day. Another one is due to be released this September telling the story of how the weather experts’ forecasts varied in their predictions. For a successful invasion it was crucial to choose the day with the best weather.
Although it is unlikely anyone will ever make a film about the intricate planning required to distribute the Covid vaccine 6 years ago, it was probably the closest logistical challenge to the 6th June that our Government has faced this century. The vaccine was difficult to store and transport, the population were restricted in their movements, large numbers needed to be vaccinated quickly and safely. Everyone rose to the challenge; the outcome was life changingly successful. It is therefore not surprising that the central organisation and outward branching communications continued for the subsequent Covid vaccine campaigns and also spread to other areas. However, we are now starting to experience some of the problems that central rather than local control can bring.
In 2024 the NHS started to use the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine to protect older adults and newborn babies from severe lung infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Initially the research was equivocal about the benefits of the vaccine for those aged 80 and over and so the target groups were adults 75 – 80 yrs, residents in older adult care homes, individuals aged 65 to 74 with specific long-term health conditions or weakened immune systems, and pregnant women from 28 weeks onwards to protect their babies. However, the programme expanded in April 2026 to include adults aged 80 and over. The enthusiasm for central control then kicked in. Without any communication with GPs the NHS sent out letters to all eligible patients and told them to make an appointment for a RSV vaccination. To our complete surprise we were suddenly deluged with requests. We had to act quickly to prevent appointments all being taken up inappropriately. There is no urgency and rest assured we will be running special RSV vaccine clinics over the next few months. The key message for the future is, please, take your time to act on any health communications from central Government. Just as the weather is different across the country so are healthcare logistics. In Devon, and especially at Wyndham House, we have an excellent record of providing everything our population needs when they need it. It is important to protect ourselves from the chaos that can result from well-meaning but unhelpful central interference.
Our Flu vaccine D-Days this year will be on Saturday 3rd October and then additional clinics on Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th October. As in previous years all those aged over 75 will be offered Flu and Covid vaccines at the same time. However, you cannot have three vaccines together, hence the separate RSV clinics. All the clinics will be organised in the same way as last year. We will send texts out at the beginning of September, with a link to book your slot and these will be staggered to ensure everyone will have access to appointments throughout the day. Patients for whom we do not have a mobile number will be contacted via a different route. Please do not contact us before we contact you. If you believe you are eligible for a Flu vaccine and have not heard from us by 20th September then give us a ring.
Anthony O’Brien
Wyndham House Surgery