Question about covid vaccine for uncontrolled asthma

[matt95]

Hi guys,

This is my first post so sorry if this has been asked several times (which it probably has been recently!)

I know there is loads of uncertainty regarding asthmatics getting the jab but if you could give me some advice that would be great?

First off, I live in Northern Ireland and apparently we are really far ahead in terms of vaccinating people here. I'm a 25 year old male and have had asthma for as long as I can remember I am currently taking Relvar Elipta 184mg/22mg, Easyhaler Salbutamol and Montelukast tablets. My asthma isn't controlled at all at the minute and hasn't been for the last year, I am actually going for a chest x-ray next Thursday due to a persistent cough for the last 12 months or more.

My mother who also has asthma (well controlled) has already got the vaccine last week. Now, I realize I am 25 years old so half the age of my mother which I would think is why she has got hers? I expected to be called soon after to be honest.. I didn't get furloughed once, have worked through the entire pandemic in an environment where nobody else takes it seriously and doesn't follow the rules (I am the only person who wears a mask).

Should I ring my GP and just ask the question (even though they will probably hate me for ringing about this)?

And also, if I do ring should I just ask reception to get the doctor to ring me instead of asking them?

Thanks for any advice

[Bevvy]

When you say uncontrolled what do you mean? The only way you would go up the list is if 1. You have had to shield and 2. If had lots of courses of steroid tablets. I think 3 courses over 3 months.If not then you will only receive jab as per your age. So at 25 you will have a time to wait.

If you search you will find lots of comments on here about asthmatics not receiving jab earlier. Reasoning seems to be that asthmatics at no greater risk than others if contracting Covid. This advice has changed with greater understanding of Covid.

[Muldrew]

Hi Matt95

I think it’s ok to have the vaccine I have poorly controlled asthma and it was fine for me

If in doubt talk to your GP or call the Asthma UK help line they will reassure you

Good luck!

[Poobah]

Hi Matt

There has been alot of discussion on what level of asthma qualifies as "severe", which is the criteria for priority group 6 (severe asthm, not shielding). It appears that to qualify for group 6 you would have had an admission to hospital for your asthma or 3 courses of steroids in a 3 month period.

The NHS are using an algorithm to select people for group 6, so if your records show any hospital admission or oral steroid treatment x 3, you will be selected. Otherwise you will have to wait for your age group.

Data shows that non-severe asthmatics are no more vulnerable than the general population if they contract covid. Even though covid can affect the respiratory system, it doesn't make asthma worse. It doesn't appear logical, hence lots of discussion on this forum as people obviously do feel vulnerable because of their asthma.

However, the vaccination programme has ramped up and around 2.5 million are being vaccinated each week, so hopefully you won't have to wait too long before you receive your first jab.

[Megan1109]

I had my vaccine at the start of March and I’m only 18 but have been on inhaler steroids and tablets on and off most of my life. I think one of the rules they were using was if you’ve ever had an emergency hospital admission which I have through A&E a few times. I’ve heard that it’s up to the individual GP and I know a lot of people with asthma that haven’t been offered it but I was in category 6. If you haven’t already had it now then you’ll probably be in with the 18-29 age category which I think is the last.