Covid Vaccine - Am I Group 4 or Group 6

[Therunaround11]

I received a shielding letter in March but nothing since.

I am on Spiriva (tiotropium), Symbicort 200/6 x 6 puffs daily and Montekulast. I have had 3 courses of prednisolone this year and my asthma still isn't well controlled.

I am due back to work soon and feel consumed with anxiety at the prospect while the virus is still circulating.

I imagine I would be in category 6 with regards to the vaccine because I haven't received a recent shielding letter, however my asthma isn't mild either and can't help but wonder if I've been missed.

[twinkly29]

My inclination would be like yours in that, if not on the CEV list then you'd be group 6.

But the question is whether or not you are on the CEV list. It sounds as if you had the letter initially before they refined the criteria so to speak, and then once they had done so, you wouldn't have been classed as CEV. If you have then had the pred since then that might change things - depending what they're using as frequent courses of pred (so it also might not change things). I think all you can do is speak to your GP about whether you should be in the CEV group or not.

[KJ48]

Interesting as it looks from meds you should have got the letter and be in category 4. I am on similar drugs to you, but no montelukast and less symbicort and I have had the more recent shielding letter. Some inconsistencies it would appear? I would suggest you contact your GP to check if you should be on the CEV list.

[twinkly29 in reply to KJ48]

Originally it was more complicated than certain named medications and it was the steroid courses that seemed to be the crucial factor - but I can't remember how many courses and in what timeframe that was supposed to be, and I guess it may have changed now anyway. But originally GPs could also add people whom they felt should shield in any case - no idea though if that's still the case! In the OP's case, if steroids are still the decider, I think it will depend when those courses were. If for example they were all May or before, then by now it may not be seen as an issue. Maybe?!

[KJ48 in reply to twinkly29]

Does seem a bit of a mystery at times. I have only ever done one course of pred and that was over 3 years ago and never even been close to being hospitalised. Feel a bit of a fraud getting the letter TBH!

[twinkly29 in reply to KJ48]

It doesn't sound as if you should be in the CEV group from what you've said - but maybe your GP added you for some reason? If you're interested or concerned you could ask them but otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. 🙂

[Blue3456]

I'm on similar medication to you (although just been changed to fostair rather than symbicort) but I've had more prednisolone and I'm not on the CEV list. My asthma is currently uncontrolled. Back in March my meds were lower so I assume that's why. When I spoke to the respiratory nurse recently I was told I should be shielding but my GP says they can't add people to the list. It all seems very inconsistent, which does cause anxiety.

If you're concerned about work maybe speak to your GP about a sick note if they can't give you a shielding letter. Or ask if your employer can do an occupational health assessment. Could you work from home?

Hope you get sorted.

[twinkly29 in reply to Blue3456]

This is where it's silly now. Ok maybe GPs can and they're just saying they can't although who knows - but if they genuinely can't then that's ridiculous. Some people will be newly CEV and need to be included and others should either never have been on the list or maybe qualified initially but now don't as things have changed or parameters changed following up to date knowledge and yet they're still classed as CEV 🤦‍♀️