3rd Covid jabs

[Cavlover]

Sorry to ask the same question again but has anyone on just 20mg Methotrexate been offered a 3rd Covid jab and has actually received it as have still not heard anything and GP not interested.

[Rachhfost]

Hello. I wasn’t getting anywhere with my GP or rheumatologist as they kept on talking about booster and not recognising the different with the third primary dose. I eventually sent the document explaining the details of this by email to my GP and rheumatologist and they are now investigating and have promised me a letter so I can take it to walk in jab centre . Honestly it’s all over the place.

[Cavlover in reply to Rachhfost]

Thank you. My GP just said he didn't know anything about it. Not tried rheumatology yet. Due a checkup so might call and find out then.

[Rachhfost in reply to Cavlover]

I should also say I’m on 22.5 metho and biologic so maybe not the intended audience for your post sorry about that!

[Cavlover in reply to Rachhfost]

Sorry meant to ask whereabouts you are please?

[Rachhfost in reply to Cavlover]

I’m in Bucks. And it varies within the county, some gps are really on the case, mine is not. (Or wasn’t until pointed in the right direction!😊)

[nomoreheels]

I had my third jab last Saturday, though I took a reduction in MTX from 20mg to 17.5mg. Don't know if this helps? It was my GP Practice who phoned & offered me the appointment, though I received my vaccine from another local health centre, where I had the previous 2.

[Cavlover in reply to nomoreheels]

May I ask whereabouts you live please?

[nomoreheels in reply to Cavlover]

North West England, the Fylde Coast.

[Cavlover in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you. In deepest Somerset and it all seems so slow.

[nomoreheels in reply to Cavlover]

Lovely part of the world. It does seem that it's been interpreted differently. I am on steroids too but only low dose, though been on them 8 nearly 9 years, may have had some bearing.

[Bootoo in reply to nomoreheels]

Not too far from me 👍

[BoneyC in reply to nomoreheels]

That's what I did - reduced from 20mg to 17.5mg and wondering whether I'm now off the 3rd jab list. Reassuring to hear you did receive the 3rd dose.

[nomoreheels in reply to BoneyC]

I don't honestly know if I was given it because of being on MTX or if it was also being on steroids so long, even though it's low dose (at the mo).

[BoneyC in reply to nomoreheels]

Interesting, I wonder if they are reusing the same list as before?

[nomoreheels in reply to BoneyC]

I don't know. Makes me wonder though because I was missed for the first dose, my h had his so questioned why I hadn't & they admitted they'd misplaced me into the over 60’s & over category. They were quick with the appointment for the second jab so had obviously amended my status. Could be why they were quick for the third jab too, not sure but pleased it's done. I would think you'd qualify for it if I have being as we're on the same dose. Might be worth asking the question?

NB just read GinnyE 's reply… the BRS have issued a guidance saying anyone on MTX should be offered it.

[BoneyC in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks, I've just listened to the NRAS Octave video - the Dr. on there suggested all RA patients should get a 3rd dose to bring them up to the same level as healthier people, regardless of which meds they might take for RA and dose etc.

Our GP Surgery is rather slow and as I'm a younger CEV I wont be due a 3rd until November.

[Lolabridge]

I think if you’re only on MTX the dose has to be more than 20mg to qualify. Check the Green Book chapter 14a page 21

[Cavlover in reply to Lolabridge]

Yes I think my question has been answered anyway as no-one has replied to say they have. There were a few comments elsewhere that lead me to believe that being on just 20mg might qualify so wanted to check. Thank you.

[nomoreheels in reply to Lolabridge]

I'm on 17.5mg yet had the third dose. Not sure why as it does clearly state >20mg. I wouldn’t qualify with the steroid doses either, though I have been on them a long while. I meant to clarify both & when/if I’d have the booster jab but my appointment with a Rheumy yesterday was so dashed (&) awful it went out of my head.

[Thingybob]

Im going for my 3rd jab and flu jab next week. I am on 20mg mtx and was contacted by my gp and invited to book a slot. I am in central beds right on the border with bucks . I think there's a facility to book a booster/ 3rd jab on the nhs website ? Hope this helps.

[Cavlover in reply to Thingybob]

Thank you. Do you mind me asking whether you are just on methotrexate please?

[Thingybob in reply to Cavlover]

Mtx, sulphasalazine, 2 meds for high blood pressure and levothyroxine. I have to say our gp seems on the ball, they offered the first round of covid jabs earlydoors too .

[Cavlover in reply to Thingybob]

Tried the website but you need something from your GP. I was wondering if this is a booster rather than a 3rd primary as they have started giving boosters to those who had their second jab 6 months ago. I won't be eligible for a booster until the end of the year.

[Thingybob in reply to Cavlover]

I think the 3rd primary and booster are the same thing . I had my second dose of astra zeneca in early april , so 6 months ago, and this time its pfizer . Hubby is having his on the same day as he has a stent. The call to jab here seems to be happening in the same order of priority as the first round as the time scale for the six month gap will apply also. Best wishes

[GinnyE]

I am only on 20 mg methotrexate, nothing else and I got my third vaccination yesterday at a walk in centre, clutching a letter from my Rheumatologist saying I qualified. The JCVI does say over 20 mg but the British Rheumatology Society issued guidance saying anyone on methotrexate should be offered it. I’ve posted a lot about this, I had to give the documentation to my GP but they said it wasn’t up to them, but I emailed my Rheumatologist and quoted the JCVI and BRS documents and pointed out that it was no good referring me back to my GP. A few days later they issued 3000 letters to their patients!

[Cavlover in reply to GinnyE]

Thank you GinnyE fir this. I will try contacting my rheumatologist tomorrow and see what happens. It shouldn't have to be such a struggle!

[Ascidian]

Hi Cavlover, I am in the same boat as you . 20mg mtx. I foolishly did an antibody test in the hope I would have high levels and feel less concerned, but had a score of 211. During the NRAS talk last night, about the Octave study, Professor Siebert said that, although they still don't really know what the numbers mean, he feels that anything under 400 is not good. Also that he feels that pretty much all rheumatology patients (except those on hydroxy or sulfa only), and certainly ANY dose of mtx should get the 3rd primary dose. However, my rheumatology have said GPs will contact those eligible. And GP newsletter dated 21 September has one sentence saying that they will contact anyone eligible. I think I might get in touch with them next week if I don't hear anything. I'm in S Devon

[Cavlover in reply to Ascidian]

Hi Ascidian, it is so confusing. I think it may be the same issue as there was regarding shielding as the first letter from my rheumatology department last year had a BSR flow chart that indicated I should shield but when I tried to register I didn't fit the criteria with just Methotrexate and comorbidities. It fear it may be the same this time round with the BSR recommending all and doctors following government rules. It also seems to depend on where you live as to who decides so a real muddle.

[Ascidian in reply to Cavlover]

I agree. To be fair to GPs, I think they are very busy. Need to speak to mine soon about something else so will try to have the conversation with her then

[Cavlover in reply to Ascidian]

I tried but was told they know nothing about it. The trouble is everyone is so busy so I don't want to give them extra work . Good luck with your GP.

[Cavlover in reply to Ascidian]

Hi Ascidian, have you managed to find anything out about a 3rd primary dose. Still not heard anything here and GP practice not getting involved.

[Ascidian]

Sadly, it looks as if they are only giving the 3rd primary dose to those who fit the rules in the JCVI green book. So, nothing for me. Only about 6 weeks till I am eligible for a booster, so I guess I'll just have to make do with that. If anything changes, i'll let you know

[Cavlover in reply to Ascidian]

Thank you. It does seem to vary as some have been offered a 3rd primary on 20mg or less in some areas but not here either it would seem. My 6 months is up for the booster in about 6 weeks time too so will just to wait for that. Not feeling comfortable about being borderline again but must be worse for those on biologic etc and are still waiting to hear.