3rd primary covid vaccine eligibility (uk)

[MWxxxx]

Does anyone understand the updated JCVI guidance for vaccinating immunosupressed individuals with a third primary dose dated 9 September 2021? There is a copy of it on the covid updates on the British Society for Haematology website. The appendix lists the conditions which will qualify for a third vaccine (not booster). Unfortunately I don't really understand it! It doesn't appear to mention MPNs at all but I think it might be saying that people taking inferon will qualify but people on hydroxy won't. But that doesn't seem to make sense as I thought that the covid vaccines don't work as well on people taking hydroxy. I am looking at this as a person with PV on hydroxy so if there is anyone out there who understands the medical terms in this letter, I would be grateful for their opinon. (sorry, couldn't work out how to attach the document).

[piggie50]

My understanding is, a third dose and a booster dose are the same thing. Blood cancer uk states everyone with blood cancer will get another dose.Copied from the web…..

The dosages are the same, but there’s a small medical distinction. The term is used differently based on who is receiving it. Boosters are offered to people who got the full course of a vaccine and developed a good response initially, but it waned over time. Third doses are given to people whose immune systems weren’t able to fully respond to the initial vaccines.

[MWxxxx in reply to piggie50]

I'm not sure. My understanding is that those who are entitled to a 3rd primary vaccine due to them having certain conditions will also qualify for a booster 6 months after the 3rd vaccine. But my query really relates to the JCVI guidance on the British Society for Haematology website and the appendix which lists those who are entitled. I am trying to understand whether the appendix is showing whether people with PV on Hydroxy do or do not qualify. This letter will have been sent to Haematology departments and GPs and they will need to follow its content.

[mhos61 in reply to MWxxxx]

The link below (JCVI updated guidance) maybe helpful with regards to the implementation of a ‘Third Primary Dose’ vaccine for the ‘severely immunosuppressed,’ as it states

“This letter sets out the actions we are asking systems to take from today (2 September) to begin vaccinating this group with a third dose as part of their primary vaccination course by the 13 September 2021.”

It would seem that Specialists have been advised to identify patients in their care who fulfil the eligibility criteria. No doubt some will slip through the net though.

I note Judy has posted the eligibility criteria. I suppose it’s really about determining the difference between immunosuppressed and severely immunosuppressed.

I have ET and am on hydrea with no comorbities. Personally, I don’t feel that I fit any of the criteria, and am more than happy to wait for the ‘booster’ vaccine.

england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...

[piggie50 in reply to mhos61]

Me too Mary. Although on the jvci statement I would be included anyway as taking 20 mg of Methotrexate. I'll just wait to be called. Hope you are all well. 💐

[mhos61 in reply to piggie50]

As I said Judy, there will be some who will slip through the net. Our next door neighbour without any doubt should have been on the list on at least three counts, but hasn’t been identified?

Yes, we’re doing ok thanks. Had our daughter and partner visit yesterday for a few hours on their way back to London from the Lakes. Hoping to get away for an overnight stay somewhere soon - maybe York. Hope you and yours are ok too! Xx

[piggie50]

MW document attached. Hope it works.gov.uk/government/publicati...

[friendofpiglet in reply to piggie50]

Not quite sure that a third dose and a booster are the same. I think there is a suggestion that a booster might be a half dose, rather than a third full primary dose.

The whole thing is still a bit woolly to my mind, and the JCVI document includes "such as" in a couple of places - which doesn't go a long way to de-fleece the woolliness.

Andy

[MWxxxx in reply to piggie50]

Yes, that's the document - thank you. It is the section under "Advice" points 2 and 3 that I don't understand. It seems to say those who are taking Jak2 inhibitors will receive a third vaccine and under point 3 seems to show people taking hydroxy will not. Unfortunately, it is all very technical and I am not sure that I am interpretting it correctly.

[mhos61 in reply to MWxxxx]

It seems to suggest Jak inhibitors specifically for ‘autoimmune disease.’ That’s just my understanding!

Just noted the word ‘including’ before the bullet points which makes me think does that mean ‘including but not limited too’...hmm!

[HazeBlue]

If you are over 50 you’ll get third jab. Or under fifty you’ll get it if we’re in vulnerable list and isolated inLockdowns I believe. Chase up with specialist and gp if worried you’ll be missed. Good luck hope winter isn’t to unkind this year.

[Barbara140]

I spoke to my GP who said they'd had no supplies/guidance. I'm on ruxolitinib and I know my antibody response was poor as I've had regular ONS tests. My concern, now that boosters are being offered to all over 50s, is that everyone in older age groups will have priority, as CEV only comes under group 4 🤷‍♀️

[Paul123456]

One criteria is lymphocytes under 1 (normal range 1.5 - 4)

I’ve not seen anything indicating that this third jab is being offered to anyone with an MPN?

And I thought someone recently posted here that Pegasys actually boosts our Covid vaccine immune response antibodies?

[Manouche in reply to Paul123456]

« In the French FimMpn registry with more than 1788 MPN  patients, almost 300 patients were treated with interferon: only 9% had COVID19 and none of them developed a severe case. Preliminary results will be presented at the sfhemato annual meeting »

« vaccination and treatment with interferon at ELN21 : seems that patients on IFN don't have more adverse events and are likely to develop highest levels of antibodies, consistent with its immunostimulant activity »

Prof. Kiladjian

[MWxxxx in reply to Manouche]

That's interesting. Did it have any results for hydroxy?

[Manouche in reply to MWxxxx]

No data for hydroxy so far, but I suppose they will come out soon.

[MWxxxx in reply to Manouche]

Thanks for looking.

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Paul123456]

I had my text from guys to book my 3rd Covid vaccine.

[azaelea]

Hi, I’m just reading through the document you mention from the link put on by mhos61 (thank you) I don’t know how to post links either.What I find a bit worrying is the sentence near the bottom of the first part stating “These uncertainties in harms and benefits will need to be communicated as part of informed consent”. They don’t really know the safety of a third full dose it appears. I’ll carry on reading, just wanted to make that point while in my mind. Fran

[MWxxxx in reply to azaelea]

That's a good point and not one I picked up on when I read it. It is something I have wondered about especially after my 2nd pfizer vaccine i had a really fast heart rate and breathlessness for 2 weeks.

[azaelea]

That’s worrying. I think I’d mention that if called for a 3rd jab.