Computer says no chance

ALL over-50s are being advised to book their first jab while they can, just in case some vaccine centres are forced to close because of a looming shortage of supplies.

The NHS website will stop taking appointments on Monday. Let’s hope they have more success than I’ve had so far trying to book my second.

Having had Astra jab one at the end of January, number two is due around April 15. But while the physical vaccine roll out by NHS staff and volunteers has been magnificent, I’m afraid the technology is struggling.

To be fair, I know people who have had no problem booking their second jab online. But for the past week, I’ve been banging my head against the NHS website. It keeps telling me I didn’t turn up for my second jab, even though it isn’t due and I hadn’t made an appointment. Then it offered me a slot at a pharmacy in Reading 40 miles from my home in North London.

Go figure. For the first shot, I had a choice of three centres no more than 20 minutes away.

I’ve since tried again, two or three times some days, only to be told there aren’t any available slots. Don’t call us, we’ll call you.

Still, I’ve fared better than my wife, who keeps being told by the website that she’s not eligible for a second jab, even though she had her Pfizer shot the day after me.

I’ve just had an idea. I’ve got a close friend the same age as me who lives near Reading. If they offer him an appointment in North London, we could always swap.