Hi everyone
We've updated our information and guidance about lupus and COVID-19 vaccination - lupusuk.org.uk/covid19-vacc...
In the past week there has been some confusion and misinformation regarding the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. This was especially the case following Prof David Salisbury's interview on BBC News.
We have sought advice from clinicians and professional bodies, including the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) and have been assured that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is considered safe for people who are immunosuppressed.
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is not strictly considered to be a ‘live’ vaccine although it does contain a live, non-replicating adenovirus vector. Adenovirus vector vaccines have been trialled in populations with high prevalence of HIV and shown no serious adverse events. It cannot replicate in humans and does not make more virions, and therefore it is perfectly safe in the immunocompromised.
We hope that this will provide some additional reassurance for you.