Question about vaccine eligibility

[Timbo101]

Apologies if it's been covered already but I couldn't find anything following a search of the forum. Since the beginning of the pandemic the nhs has been pretty clear that even if your asthma doesn't require you to shield you would still be at higher risk of complications. That pretty much reflects my condition, it wouldnt class as severe, however it requires daily use of a preventative inhaler, and as such qualified for a flu jab in Scotland despite only being 44.

The British lung foundation website indicates that anyone with asthma not in the extremely vunerable group would fall in to priority group 6. However the jcvi paper recently released seems to indicate that only those with severe asthma would be classed as having an underlying condition.

Can anyone provide any further clarification? Are you expecting to fall into priority group 6 despite not having severe asthma (which I take as meaning it's not fully controlled by drugs)

Thanks

[twinkly29]

I think that's an error. Asthma UK shared something on their Facebook page (it's also on their website) clarifying that clinically extremely vulnerable is priority group 4 and asthma that doesn't cause someone to be clinically extremely vulnerable fits into the underlying health conditions in priority group 6. Unfortunately the word severe was used in both groups and shouldn't have been in group 6. I can't find the link now but will keep looking.

asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

It was on twitter not Facebook but the information is in the link above.

[Timbo101 in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks for the response. I checked out their face book page and a number of folks seem to be asking same question, with asthma uk saying that the British lung foundation are looking for clarity.

When you actually go onto the blf site and follow the link on 'when can i get the vaccine' the link on priority group 6 for vunerable folks takes you to the nhs site that states.. 'have a lung condition that's not severe (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis)'

I'm not sure how up to date that is or it's been verified by anyone

[twinkly29 in reply to Timbo101]

Asthma UK explain it more on their Twitter posts.... I'll try and copy what they wrote!

Asthma UK Twitter:

We've had an update from the government giving more clarity on where people with asthma fall in the COVID vaccine priority order. This information has now been added to our website here: t.co/rOgBSVJr4o t.co/58ctW4D3n2

If you have severe asthma, are on the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ (CEV) list and under 70, you’ll be invited to get the COVID vaccine at the same time as those aged 70 and over. This is known as the fourth priority group.

Most other people with asthma aged 16 to 64 will be offered the vaccine in the sixth group. We understand that you would be invited in this group if you have been prescribed a steroid inhaler – this is the same way people are identified for a free flu vaccine each year.

We asked for this confirmation as some government materials made a reference to severe asthma in the sixth group. This is an unhelpful term because it’s actually describing anyone prescribed a steroid inhaler, rather than a severe diagnosis or someone who is CEV.

There isn’t a timescale yet for when the priority groups will be vaccinated, and the advice is to wait until you’re invited. Our website will be kept updated as this happens and as we find out more information.

[Timbo101 in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks twinkly, really appreciate your clarification. Hope you have a great Christmas.

[Timbo101]

I have just seen the latest jcvi advice and it still only mentions 'severe asthma'. Likewise chapter 14a of the government's green book states to qualify for priority group 6 you need to be on systemic steroids, rather than just a daily steroid inhaler. That may be out of date as it was updated after asthma uk gave out the above advice, however a number of folks have queried it including myself ..hopefully the above advice is still correct.