A great big welcome @Picklebum thanks for sharing your experiences of Covid, free test kits and anti virals.
I agree from what I have heard that this Covid strain seems to have symptoms that really linger.
Look after yourselves and please do keep posting as I look forward to hearing more about you.
Thank you and I will keep going tk the forum x
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Morning,
This is my first time posting although I have been using the site for two years now. It’s been so useful.
I’ve had a good read through this post and noticed a few people referring to a form they have filled out in order to access the free Covid tests. I was wondering what form this is? Where can i get one from. I’m currently buying kits. Thankyou.
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Hi @Rose75 I am so pleased that you have posted.
Personally firstly I had to find a chemist that actually was participating in the scheme.
I found that most Boots chemists do.
I asked the manager (although sometimes there is a different manager each time I go in).
They gave me a form that was adapted to cover the free Covid test kits.
We decided what needed to be filled in.
Basically the same information as if you are picking up the test kits for someone else, see below.
A handy hint is then to photocopy it a few times.
I then take the form in with my proof of eligibility ( a hospital letter with proof of blood cancer)
In my chemist I am allowed a free pack a month.
Sometimes they keep the form, sometimes not.
I keep a dated list of when I have had a pack
I believe others have other procedures.
I hope others will share their experiences with you
This is the NHS link
Who can get a free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Please do let us know if you have problems and be pleasantly assertive.
Look after yourself and I look forward to hearing more about you.
Hi there
The participating pharmacy will give you the form to sign when you collect the Covid tests
I believe they have to keep as a record to claim the money back
My brother collected mine for me
See below
"The pharmacy may ask you questions about your medical history to confirm you’re eligible for free tests. If you have a copy of a letter or email sent to you by the NHS that says you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatment, take this with you. A letter or email is not essential, but it will help the pharmacy to confirm you’re eligible for free tests more easily.
Anyone collecting free tests on your behalf needs to give the pharmacy your details, including your:
*** full name**
*** address**
*** date of birth**
*** NHS number (if available)**
*** medical condition(s) to confirm your eligibility**
They should also bring any copies of letters or emails that have been sent to you by the NHS about COVID-19 treatments."
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Thank you both very much for the information. I will see what my local pharmacy says. I’m a teacher and so frequently come into contact with various bugs. I like to make sure I have tests to hand.
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I live near Taunton and our local boots did not have any but i was referred to Superdrug who were happy to give me some. I took my letter detailing my blood cancer with me and my neutrpenic sepsis alert card.
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When I had COVID about 5 weeks ago now my local hospital gave me a test kit.They said that people who have had it remained positive for the antibodies for about 3 months after they have had it so the best test is the Lateral Flow Test as that means that you have it.The LFT doesn’t react to Flu and Rhinovirus Common Cold but questionable on Coronavirus based Common Cold(different but related viruses to the ones that cause COVID).
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A bit late to this discussion but I was told by my local pharmacy I had to have a letter expressly saying I was eligible, and that results letters from the hospital were not suitable. I spoke to my Macmillan nurse who sent me a letter saying I was eligible. To my surprise when I presented this I too had to fill in a long form. NHS number, address, dob etc. I thought that would be a one off, but no, every time! Goodness!
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