Guy’s Hospital ‘gave out vaccines on demand’ to over-70s after a booking number was circulated on social media, patients claim.
A number of south London OAPs reported they were able to directly book their first COVID-19 vaccination even though they were not in a priority group – then including the over-80s and health and social care workers online.
The News understands over 70s were calling up a phone number that had been circulated online and, even though they were not on the official list, had been able to book slots.
In some cases they had phoned the already busy phone line multiple times. It is believed patients have been skipping the queue in this way for several weeks.
Currently the NHS says patients should wait to be contacted. Groups now being vaccinated include the over 80s, over 70s, extremely clinically vulnerable people and health and social care workers.
When approached for comment the hospital neither confirmed nor denied the claims.
A spokesperson from Guy’s and St Thomas’ told the News: “We are working hard to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to those most at risk following the guidelines from the JCVI and booking people in by appointment only.
“As such we are asking people not to turn up or contact us until invited to come in.
“We started to vaccinate our frontline staff in December and are now vaccinating all of our hard working teams who ensure the effective running of our clinical services.
“By protecting our staff from illness we can protect and preserve the vital services that our patients rely on.”