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Asthma classification

Helloeveryone_ profile image
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Just don’t understand why people with severe asthma are in group 3 and it’s the same classification for group 6 it says severe asthma.

What about moderate asthma?

The bmj report says people with mild asthma not at any more risk but doesn’t mention moderate. Surely there is a middle line or are asthmatics only mild or severe?

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Helloeveryone_ profile image
Helloeveryone_
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8 Replies
stalibo_vonel profile image
stalibo_vonel

They’re saying there is ‘new evidence’ that those with mild/moderate asthma aren’t at any greater risk of dying from Covid, which I think will be the running theme of messages when they eventually clarify what we now know they probably will: no priority unless you have been hospitalised/on steroid tablets.

I am 25 and take a steroid inhaler daily and my asthma is well controlled because of this. I rang my GP a few weeks ago to get clarification about group 6, and they said they couldn’t tell me what group I would fall under, as they didn’t know.

I emailed my local CCG following this and let them know my age and how often I use a steroid inhaler. They confirmed I would be in priority group 6 for the vaccine. I am now sceptical I will be after the recent updates (although no guidance has actually changed since I emailed them last week).

I have also seen others on social media who have controlled asthma/use a steroid inhaler and they have already been invited for the vaccine under group 6 (I am assuming their areas are further ahead in the vaccine programme). These people may sneak in until we get full guidance and clarity (which I am assuming will be this week). Doesn’t seem fair that it’s a bit of a postcode lottery at the minute, but I think the main reason is probably that the group of people on steroid inhalers is just too large (I read 4m people somewhere) to justify prioritising us in light of the ‘new evidence’.

Helloeveryone_ profile image
Helloeveryone_ in reply to stalibo_vonel

Hi I hope you’re still in group 6, I found out I will be in 8 which is not too bad just have to wait a bit longer, just seems so last minute though.

stalibo_vonel profile image
stalibo_vonel in reply to Helloeveryone_

Glad to hear that you slot in one of the priority groups, hopefully not too long to wait now!

I’m guessing I won’t be staying in group 6 once the Govt clarify the groups which seem to be steroid tablets/previous hospital admissions. I will have to wait for my age group (which feels a long way off!). In all honesty, I would rather older people got the jab before me as age seems the biggest risk. Just a little baffling that my GP urges me to get flu vaccine every year, but with Covid I am being left unprotected. If I do end up being exposed to Covid, hopefully it won’t be too bad due to my age!

Helloeveryone_ profile image
Helloeveryone_ in reply to stalibo_vonel

I agree it’s the baffling last minute changes, I hope it isn’t too long a wait for you.

Smoggy1990Boggy profile image
Smoggy1990Boggy in reply to stalibo_vonel

This is nothing to do with GP's they don't do the priority list.

stalibo_vonel profile image
stalibo_vonel in reply to Smoggy1990Boggy

Well as the information was unclear at the time I thought my GP was the best person to speak to, to see if I would be included on their invite list for priority group 6. After today’s annoucement from Asthma UK at least I know I’m not now. Although I did apparently need steroid tablets when I was younger. No idea how long for and how many times I was prescribed, feel like it’s going to be some task for GPs to trawl through medical records to contact those in group 6.

shirl13 profile image
shirl13

I am 68 and was put on shielding last March. When groups came out I was told I would be in group 4 as I am chronic asthmatic taking oral steroids since 1991 everyday as well as steroid inhalers, diabetic and compromised immune system with the oral steroids. I eventually got my first vaccine on Sunday 7th Feb. Stay safe

Helloeveryone_ profile image
Helloeveryone_ in reply to shirl13

Glad you’ve had it, stay safe too.

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