4th Covid booster

[Buntybear]

Is anyone only taking Sarilumab (Kevzara) had their 4th Covid booster jab? I am being told by my Rheumatology consultant that I don't need it as only on the one biologic, yet I've received a letter saying I do ! Thanks

[Marionfromhappydays]

This is the letter I received from my local hospital (im in Bristol) saying I should book a 4th covid jab.

Under section b here it lists some of the drugs that qualifies a patient to have a 4th jab. Your medication is an interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibitor which is on this list.

Sorry just read your post again 🙄

Oh I would book your 4th one in, take the letter and go get it. I had my 4th one done Thursday, all I had to do was show the letter.I take 1 biologic for my arthritis and nothing else.

Don't know why your Dr would say that, sounds a bit lax if you ask me but I'm not a Dr 🤷‍♀️

Booster letter from hospital

[Buntybear in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Yes, that’s what I’ve read since so was confused when he said I didn’t need it! Will be pushing for it. Thankyou

[Madmusiclover in reply to Buntybear]

If you’ve got the letter just book it on phone or on line and take letter with you. Good luck. Phone NRAS helpline for reassurance? Oops no need I see you have an answer from Claire on this thread. X

[aliplayspiano]

I’m on tocilizumab which is also an IL-6 receptor inhibitor and I have had a fourth jab.

[Buntybear in reply to aliplayspiano]

Thankyou

[Gymcactus]

Hi, I'm only on methotrexate, was unsure if I needed a 4th vaccine so e-mailed my consultant and she replied yes I should have it. We have a walk-in clinic in my town and as I hadn't received the letter from rheumy which was in post I went and showed them my e-mail reply on my phone and they gave me my 4th vaccine.

[Buntybear in reply to Gymcactus]

Thanks

[Sallysuk in reply to Gymcactus]

Hi I too am taking methotrexate & sulfasalazine and was told twice by my GP I would be told if I needed a 4th vaccination & I was also told by rheumatologist nurse that I was not eligible. I raised the issue again at a recent GP rheumatoid assessment by the health care assistant and within 3 hours the surgery phoned to say my letter for a 4th dose was ready for collection so I am now 4th jabbed, 5 months after my booster!!! I cannot understand what is going on within the medical profession regarding the protocols for this additional vaccination as there are so many conflicting opinions as to who is eligible.

[Gymcactus in reply to Sallysuk]

Glad to hear you have had your 4th, as you say so many different opinions as to who qualify.

[Buntybear in reply to Sallysuk]

Hi, I’m pleased to say the consultant did agree I could have it, so I had by 4th booster on Tuesday. Thankyou for your reply

[Clare-NRAS Partner NRAS]

If you're being offered a 4th jab we'd recommend you take it. Even in the opinion of your consultant he/she thinks you don't 'need' it there is no harm in having it - belts and braces- I would ask your consultant for why they have that opinion though as it does seem to be out of kilter with all other advice that we've seen.

[Buntybear in reply to Clare-NRAS]

Thankyou Clare, his view seemed to be that as Sarilumab is one of the drugs used to treat Covid that we are more protected!! I am going to progress getting it though, as you say belt & braces.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Buntybear]

Doh! A treatment is not a preventative. Baricitinib is now a possible treatment but the first sign of infection and I’m stopping it. For goodness sake.