4th covid vaccination/ Methotrexate query. - NRAS

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4th covid vaccination/ Methotrexate query.

Sallysuk profile image
12 Replies

I take 20mgm methotrexate and sulfasalazine & am reading/hearing different info from several sources as to whether I need a 4th vaccine. NRAS & Versus Arthritis suggest anyone taking methotrexate should have a 4th one , my GP says "we know you take methotrexate" that's it, Rheumatology say no unless I took prednisolone ot lefluonamide at time of 1st &2nd vaccine, they have had no update since Sept 2021 and Green Book chapter 14a backs up the rheumatology nurse advice. However I am sure I have read that there was a more recent update from JCVI. Can anyone help or direct me to the most up to date info. Thanks

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Sallysuk
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12 Replies
MadBunny profile image
MadBunny

This is part of the letter I got from my Rheumatology Dept last month. According to this it would appear that being on >20 mg of mtx alone means you are eligible for a 3rd primary but doesn't mention anything about a 4th vaccination. The letter stated that 'If any of the categories apply in regards to when you received your 2nd primary vaccination' then you are eligible and to tick the box and arrange a 3rd primary through your GP. When I spoke to my nurse last week she e said that they only got the information recently , so I guess they haven't yet got the update ? I already had the booster and she said that that would count as my 3rd primary and that I should have a booster 3 months later. I must add though that I am on a biologic so it might be different for mtx only. My NHS trust is East and North Herts.

Rheumatology advice
Azzure profile image
Azzure

I take 22.5mg methotrexate and hydroxychlorequine and I have received a 4th covid jab. I was called automatically last week. I live in Wales.

in reply to Azzure

Thanks for that x

Sky42 profile image
Sky42

I'm on exactly the same meds as you. I had a letter from GP saying eligible for 3rd vaccine and then a booster after that. I think this was prompted by a conversation I had with rheumy nurse as she had sent them a letter. The initial guidance was more than 20mg of mtx, I think there was an update that changed the level of mtx.....I can't find the link, sorry.

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady

I'm also on 20mg Methotrexate and had a text from the hospital pharmacy which supplies my Metoject that I'm eligible. I rang my surgery to inform them and they said that they'd change my records to call my last jab a third primary. My booster should be due at the beginning of February so I'm waiting to see if I'm called by my surgery as for the previous jabs, I'll contact them if that doesn't happen.

Aliceeliza profile image
Aliceeliza

I'm on 20mg mtx. Rang rheumy nurse this week and she says I am eligible for a 4th jab. Heard nothing in the way of text or letter but not due til mid Feb so will wait and hope for a communication and follow up if necessary

Joanneforbes profile image
Joanneforbes

I’m on 17.5mg methotrexate x6 sulfasalzine i had a letter from Rheumotology East Sussex saying I’m eligible for 4th dose .. maybe because I did have steroids between jabs? … last week or so I had another about pcr test at home as might be able get anti viral meds if get covid … fingers crossed 🤞 you get it sorted x

Poshcards profile image
Poshcards

I am on 25mg injections of metho and I am still waiting for my 4th jab x

RootsToots profile image
RootsToots

Hi Sally, I was told to come back in 12 weeks by nurse after the 3rd jab as on methotrexate, sulpha and a biologic (benepali). I don't want anymore though, as so far every covid jab has made things flare up. Second time it took about 2 week to recover and they can't prescribe predislone because it interfers with the immune response. No letters though just loads of text messages. Hope you get sorted.

JulesCurrie profile image
JulesCurrie

I have been on MTX for over 20 yrs with dosage increasing to 20mg. What surprises me is the communication you seem to get from you Rheumy department. Other than appointment letters I never have any communication from them. I did get one letter once to say I needed an ECG. I didn’t get a follow up appointment so after chasing they said it was cancelled and wasn’t needed. Never had any scans or other checks just eye test because of hydroxy chloroquine.. My Rheumy department is in Worcestershire over the years I have really struggled with my RA and when reaching out for help from them there is never anybody there to help … just an answerphone to say there isn’t anybody available. When I read other people’s experiences I feel quite neglected and alone … I wonder sometimes if I probably haven’t complained enough over the years or is it just my Rheumy department aren’t very good? Wondering whether to call re 4th COVID jab…. Watch this space to see if I get anywhere…..

Sallysuk profile image
Sallysuk in reply to JulesCurrie

Thanks for reply. My rheumatology dept are excellent normally. We have a helpline phone where we can leave a message/query and they get back within 24 hours usually less as well as regular appointments, that is why I am so confused about 4th jab. Not all depts at our hospital are as good as my husband struggled with dermatology

anivo profile image
anivo

I take 17.5 mg of Methotrexate weekly and one tablet of hydroxychloroquine daily and wonder if I should be having the 4th Covid jab as haven't heard anything plus nor has my husband and he has Stage 4 cancer.

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