Booster

[trace58]

Was everyone pleased that Immunecompromised were at last acknowledged by the government and one of the first on the list that we needed a booster, had to speak to my Gp today so I mentioned the booster starting in September only to get a rant that they had not finished vaccinating the young population and that they were working a 14 hour week and it was the first they knew about it !! Etc so no empathy for my anxiety of how well the vaccine has worked etc !! Spoke to Rheumi couple of days ago and again said have no idea how well the vaccine had worked as a Methatrexate patient getting sick of no help from any if them

[Lolabridge]

I got much the same reply from my GP this morning. “We’ve not had any information yet!”Plus ca change!!

[trace58 in reply to Lolabridge]

I despair give up !

[LinaM in reply to trace58]

Oh I know the feeling …. It’s exhausting when you’re already exhausted by this illness to have to fight for care. Even a kind word or acknowledgement that it’s a concern , and on their radar would be appreciated.

[helixhelix]

I had understood that the first priority for the booster was cancer patients on chemotherapy treatment, and people with organ transplants etc. Ie seriously immune suppressed rather than us (apart from people of Rituximab excepted as they probably count too)

[Mmrr in reply to helixhelix]

The NRAS FB update by Iain McInnes today commented that those on prednisolone might get the booster early too.

The OCTAVE study results should be available in a few weeks.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Mmrr]

JCVI recommendations on the autumn booster on the BBC website yesterday:

Black and white text

[bienassis in reply to Mmrr]

That's good news, Mmrr, that the octave study will be issuing results so soon - I hadn't heard that. I shall wait with fingers crossed that those two pfizer jabs did the trick. Only problem for me is that 6 months have passed - in a few days time - since I had the second vaccine. so roll on the booster!

bienassis

[Runrig01]

I’m on prednisolone, methotrexate and benepali injection and sent off an antibody test, as I read some on mtx were not producing antibodies. Got a shock when my result came back showing I had a strong response consistent with having both vaccine injections. So I wouldn’t automatically assume you had a poor response because your on immunosuppressants

[Green230461 in reply to Runrig01]

That is really good news thanks for letting us know😃

[Sheila_G in reply to Runrig01]

Brilliant news. This is what we need to hear. I want to send for an antibody test but worried in case it tells me I have none. There is nowhere else to go then.

[LinaM in reply to Runrig01]

That’s great to hear. To be honest I’m not a fan of vaccinations anyway and I worry about the strain they put on my already confused immune system. It’s a great idea to get tested for antibodies and I’ll be doing that before I sign up for a booster .Do you mind me asking which company you used for the test?

[Runrig01 in reply to LinaM]

I used bio card as I’d heard there’s are more sensitive. They had an offer on where it was reduced from £99 to £45, might still be on. They gave me a retest to use at 6-12 weeks for £35, so I got one as my daughter is getting married end of September so should give me some reassurance hopefully

[LinaM in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks for that info Maureen 😊

[Neonkittie17]

I just don’t think the rheumys or docs have any info to give re how well the vaccines had worked for people on RA meds. I think once we have the Octave study report (someone here has just posted a link to some comments from that) then we should know more. The GP practice should be more aware of the booster as it’s been talked about for a while now.

[Hidden]

If CEV and/or over 70, we will be one of the first in the queue. My concern is people stopping wearing masks. I had to ‘tell off’ a group of 3 people on the bus yesterday who were not wearing one. This hasn’t gone away. I predict another surge in July…. Great.. we all still need to be careful. The schools are still screaming for help and support, but are still being ignored.

[Flor1rence in reply to Hidden]

was on train yesterday and I counted 10 without masks on my return trip mainly teenagers, not any staff on train checking even though it says on train please wear a face covering unless you are exempt!!!!!! I wasn't happy😤

[Hidden in reply to Flor1rence]

I think it’s because public transport/ shop staff have received so much abuse. This is a societal issue. People need to be more aware of others 🤬

[trace58 in reply to Hidden]

Yes this worries me also no masks don't think I will ever go into shops ! Or transport if this happens in July ! they know we are at risk it makes me angry

[Hidden in reply to trace58]

It’s really upsetting. If people wore masks I could get out and about again. I’m away next week, luckily just before the ‘no masks’ becomes sanctioned. It’s heartless. I won’t be able to go on public transport or in a shop. It’s bad enough already. They just don’t care. We are expendable. 😭

[trace58 in reply to Hidden]

Yes it's disgusting

[RobertSmith28967]

I phoned to book an appointment with the GP last week as I’m a type 2 diabetic now as well as having RD,the receptionist said it would be a phone call appointment,I had to stand firm and say you can’t get your bloods done over the phone,god give me strength

[Batteria in reply to RobertSmith28967]

This is completely off topic but I was at our local police station this morning trying to persuade the duty officer that I thought my friend had died in suspicious circumstances. He tried to fob me off and refused to take details but I stood my ground and eventually burst into tears. He then melted and called his superior and they are now taking the matter seriously. I was exhausted after the battle and had to lie down for a few hours. I have to say that if you are convinced you are in the right then you must be immovable. Keep going Robert I’m on your side! Con amore Bx

[bienassis in reply to RobertSmith28967]

Tell me about it, Robert!!

[RobertSmith28967 in reply to bienassis]

Just been off the phone from the GP,examination over the phone,I think you’ve got COVID,no I haven’t done a test this morning,oh then you might have a chest infection,so I asked him about the severe sweatshaving to change clothes 2 a day as I’m type 2 diabetic as well as RD sufferer I said to him my blood sugars must be too high or too low,he said there not that high,well 2 months ago they were 58 which is high as I was diagnosed with type 2,and have to wait 2 weeks to have them checked again by the nurse,I give up I’m going to the vet as they will give me a further examination 🤪

[bienassis in reply to RobertSmith28967]

Crikey! What is going on at your surgery? You could go to A&E if you have one close to you. Your diabetes sounds worrying - I can't understand why your GP isn't taking it seriously. Going to the Vet sounds desperate!

But you surely can't leave things as they are. It's Friday - it might get more difficult at the weekend to get attention.

Best of Luck - but you must do something.

[madme1]

Me to trace58, but then again it comes down to how the pandemic was handled it in the first place. I feel angry, frustrated and just ignored. But you've got to keep fighting.

[Knit12]

I was told by my nurse they were still working out the details in Scotland but didn’t think they could give both booster and flu jag on the same day as they couldnt cope if people became ill after

[Mmrr in reply to Knit12]

That's kinda what Iain McInnes said on the NRAS update yesterday.Although it increasingly likely that boosters will be offered to those on immunosuppressants, particularly rituximab and prednisone.

[trace58 in reply to Mmrr]

Yes I'm on Methotrexate just got off Prednisolone but I have Colitis and they want me to go on Budesonide which us a steroid which I believe still isn't good to be on at the moment causes more severe infections catch 22 with steroids

[Nuttyshirlz]

Having checked the list I’m on it for two of the reasons. But if we need it I’m sure we will all receive an appointment or letter. Give them a chance it’s only July lol

[LinaM]

I’m guessing you meant a 14 hour day ? But I have to say it made me laugh because a 14 hour week might explain the complete lack of care many of us are receiving from our GPS at the moment 😂

[Happy5]

Awww sorry you got the backlash from your GP.Trouble is annoucements like this are made by the government, but with no prior communication with the agencies meant to be rolling it out.

It's the same throughout all industries too.

So GPs, other medical agencies get asked about something they've no idea about or how it translates practically.

As you're referring to a booster guess you've been double vaccinated like myself?

System worked then I'm sure they'll get the boosters sorted asap.

[Moomin8]

I'd like a different booster vaccine to my first two. I had Astrazeneca and would like Pfizer 🤞