1/x π§΅This Friday at 10:30am, we're excited to announce the reboot of the #forgotten500K campaign with an update from the podcasts hosted by @claremenglish, @MarkOak04974342, @NikolaBrigden. Here's the message for 2023 in advance. RT. π 
2/x "The #forgotten500K are a group of immunocompromised patients who have not been prioritized during the pandemic and are experiencing higher ongoing levels of risk. The group started off as individuals asking for help while still in isolation during the pandemic.
3/x They were speaking as individuals trying their best to be heard virtually, as they were not able to leave their homes and re-enter normal life like everyone else. However, the #forgotten500K patient campaign brought them together, providing support and one voice. amazing
4/x One voice to ask senior medical and other leaders to protect them. It is a patient-initiated initiative which then drew widespread support from the clinical and academic community.
5/x Many people are aware of one critical missing piece in the pandemic response- THE issue is that they have not responded to vaccination AND they would like alternatives and prioritization for COVID protection. Like immunizations.
6/x They had significant successes including weekly coverage in the TV/radio/internet like the BBC, Daily Mail, Mirror, and ITV. This was extremely surprising considering that they are a minority voice. It reflects the importance we place as a nation in protecting our vulnerable.
7/x #forgotten500k leads note, more questions have been asked in parliament by their MPS than any other medical history issue in recent history. "WHY there is not more protection for the forgotten 500K?"
8/x There have been many successes, including gaining a voice on pivotal organizations like @IndependentSage, getting private access, and starting new clinical trials studies like rapid protection. These were grassroots initiatives.
9/x Looking ahead, #forgotten500k leads would like more done, as drugs have been rendered inefficient or removed from the NHS. The lack of prioritisation of this group continues with fewer protective measures in hospitals and decommissioning of their services.
10/x Furthermore, it is clear that the pipeline that delivers new treatments has been slowed right down a trickle. This includes delopment of drugs like #evusheld and #evusheld2 and #sotrovimab and many others.
11/x #forgotten500k leads say it therefore is more important now than ever that they continues to speak as one, asking for more protection during this pandemic for the vulnerable. Grassroots action and large numbers of vulnerable people working together has made a huge impact.
12/x They note that lives can be saved and mental health transformed. #forgotten500k leads hope for there to be a change in the living with coronavirus pandemic strategy to include the vulnerable and immunocompromised patients.
13/x #forgotten500k leads want very simple things: Firstly, to be listened to, and no longer excluded from decision committees. Data, to help them understand the risk and help them.
14/x Finally, for their drug pipeline to be reactivated and for drugs to be given to them when they are proven to be effective and not delayed for many months. The example being the 12m+ delay in #evusheld
15/x What can you do to help? Firstly, listen & connect with the podcast which is led by @claremenglish. Join the increasing grassroots support Facebook group to find out more, stay in contact with MPs explaining the issues faced by #forgotten500k and do
16/x update your media contacts. Talking about the issues you face is crucial. Because the more people that talk, the more likely that positive change will happen.
17/x I support and do agree change happen this year. We can live with COVID better and protect the immunocompromised forgotten500k." - Inspiring stuff ideed. π
18/x Finally a poll. "In terms of what I personally see and experience, here's my thoughts on our ***CURRENT*** UK attitude to the ππ€π#forgotten500k- people who simply wish to have some measures to protect them more from COVID" RT please...πππ
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