I had my 4 th vaccine at the end of December 2021 . I know many others are still waiting .
Before the war in Ukraine took over the headlines ( quite rightly too , this is not a moan or complaint) there was talk of there being a 5 th vaccine for over 75 and the immunosuppressed towards the end of March ( Spring ) to get inline with a 6th vaccine in the autumn . Has anyone heard anymore about this ?
I heard mention of it recently for the first time. It said March but 6 months since last one, which for me would mean waiting until July anyway. By then I imagine they might as well do it with my flu jab in September, which may be what everyone ends up getting anyway.
I've had 4 jabs and I'm not in a hurry to get another, but will be guided by the science.
I think 4th jabs are being rolled out atm. Data being watched, but I remember seeing that another would be given in autumn.
Renal told me a 5th one is on its way, but honestly I've had the antibody infusion and am more confident in the treatments so not so concerned. Still cautious though.
I agree. My recent (positive?) experience of covid and the antiviral tablets has really increased my confidence in being able to deal with it. In fact a current sinus infection is proving to be more of a pain then my exposure to covid was 🤷♀️
Sinus infections are very painful, wishing you well soon. 😀
Thanks I’m fine .. just snuffly and grumpy 😆
Yes I've got a cold caught from the snot machine of a baby granddaughter and its awful or is it we've all been so guarded that normal infections just seem worse. My husband was banished to a spare bedroom with shut doors due to snoring and he doesn't normally. And I never swallowed so much paracetamol. lol And it is just a cold.
Hi, I posted this a little while ago on the Evusheld thread which is re upcoming boosters for immunosuppressed and general public.
inews.co.uk/news/fourth-cov...
SJ inaccurate I think if he’s calling it a fourth dose if the Health Sec means for the immunocompromised, as it would be our fifth jab/second booster in April. Would be the fourth/second booster for the rest of the general public in the autumn. That’s how I read it anyhow! (It doesn’t apply to me as yet as I’m lagging behind with vaccines due to waiting for B cells to return.) x
Thanks , Neonkittie . If it’s 6 months after our fourth jab , that would mean end of June for me . So would probably be prudent , in that case , to wait until Autumn . No doubt everything will change again before long .
That’s as I understand it too. I don’t fit into everyone else’s normal vaccine schedule as I had two Pfizer’s last Feb/ March but hole one day to catch up!
I’ve had 4 vaccines and have got covid so still welcome more vaccines.I did see it on the apple new on my iPad but guess we will have to wait.
So the media are stating it’s 6 months but the green book which is what GPS go by states immunosuppressed should be vaccinated again in the spring, as long as 3 months has elapsed, so they are aligned with the rest of the public for autumn boosters. Other than seeing it in the green book I’ve heard no mention of it, so expect it will be the usual fight with GPS telling us we’ve got it wrong. Communication re immunosuppressed has been appalling from the start you’d think they’d learn by now. I’ve attached the relevant statement from the green book which is the gps bible on immunisations
Thanks , Maureengibson - that is exactly how I understood it and was expecting something end of March , beginning April . The fact that so many people understand the regime differently means , again , that the message hasn't been explained clearly . Probably gives the government a chance to "forget" about it .
Yes I’m the same, should be due early April but I doubt very much that I will hear anything. I get sick of fighting for what we should get to help keep us safe. Especially now all rules are gone. My 3rd dose I had to get MP and CCG involved. That dose was recorded as a 2nd 2nd primary dose rather than a booster, which the majority were recorded as. Do it meant it recognised my 4th dose was due as a booster. Fingers crossed we don’t gave the same struggles 🤞🤗
I had to ask my rheumatologist if I was eligible for a 3rd vaccine .
While she was ruminating , because she hadn’t heard the latest government directive , I was called for my booster , which I took and it was recorded as such on my medical record .
I then heard that I was eligible for a third vaccine and subsequently a fourth .
When the time was right I collected all necessary medical documents , including my 3 vaccines records and went to a walk-in , ready to argue my case .
I need not have worried , it was run by the army who were completely clued up about all anomalies and difficulties . They were able to cheque my records and eligibility online , as well .
I was in a wheelchair at that time , so apart from some army captain wresting the chair from my husband ( obviously didn’t think he was capable ) and marching me ( embarrassingly ) to the front of the queue ( who had been waiting patiently for ages ) all went swimmingly .
So I now have had 2 AZ , 1 Pfizer and 1/2 Moderna. The last 2 marked as boosters on my record . My husband has received the same .
I’m hoping the army are employed for the next round but I have a feeling that they maybe otherwise employed .
Fingers crossed for you too .
The army officer was correct. The government have advised vaccine hubs to prioritise immunosuppressed so they are not standing for ages potentially being out at risk. I had the same vaccines as you, my first and 3rd flared up my AS and caused nausea and lightheadedness as well as a headache. However I have adrenal insufficiency and don’t produce any cortisol, so my body doesn’t cope with stress good or bad, and these are the symptoms I get when my levels drop. Hopefully the 5th dose goes easier, I’m expecting my gp to insist it’s 6 month between as that’s what the media are saying, so will need to refer her to her green book 😂😂
Thanks ! I didn’t know about the directive to prioritise the immunocompromised in this way .
I am sorry your vaccines caused you problems . The first 2 AZs were fine but the Pfizer and Moderna caused us both to feel “eugh” for a couple of days . As did , unusually, the ‘flu vaccine . Not sure if it was the quadrivalent one this time .
Anyway , let’s hope for all our sakes that the 5 th and 6 th rounds go more smoothly .
I’m battling groin/hip pain at the moment and have just had a Mobilty Shop’s worth of walkers , loo risers and a wheelchair delivered . I was warned , when I had my knee replaced that my hip would need doing next . I wonder how long that is going to take . Keep well .
Despite feeling so rough, it is still better than severe covid, as I’m on 5 immunosuppressants, with lung issues and no chest expansion. So I have no issue suffering again. Normally with the low cortisol I updose, but I’m conscious the higher my steroid dose the more it suppresses my immune system, so not of a catch 22. Yes unfortunately waiting lists for joint replacements have only worsened since the pandemic. Hopefully all the aids will help us hinge improve. You probably found previously you weren’t putting much weight through that leg due to the knee pain. However following the knee replacement you will have adjusted your gait, putting more weight through that leg now and potentially aggravating the hip. I worked as an orthopaedic nurse for over 30years. Main thing is to keep up with the exercises keeping the muscles strong will help, as well as making the next recovery easier. You take care too, and fingers crossed you don’t have difficulty getting your 5th dose
Thank you Maureengibson for your reply . You certainly have a lot to contend with your varying health issues . It’s very unfair that some people have much more to contend with than others . It really should be evenly spread out 🥴
Thank you for your suggestions for my hip-health . It’s great to have help from an expert . The knee op was in 2009 and my surgeon took an X-ray of the hip as well and said he’d add me to his list , as it probably wouldn’t be long before I saw him again . So really I don’t think I’ve done too badly in 13 years . Although , I did have an elbow replacement in 2012 , on the other side .
I’m doing my exercises pretty religiously and they are helping . Thanks again .
Your welcome, and you certainly have done well to manage 13yrs. Hopefully when the hips done it will last you 20+ years 🤞. Take care 🤗
Maureen, just wanted to say thank you to you for keeping us all so well informed. I hadn’t picked this up about the three months for immunosuppressed and was just going on the six months that keeps being reported in the media. Xx
Your welcome, although I’m concerned the media are still spouting 6 months. So I foresee problems with GPS not being fully versed on the contents of their green book, trying to convince us all it’s 6 months. Hopefully they will prove me wrong this time 🤞
I suspect you are right about the GPs unfortunately, but without your post I wouldn’t have even known to raise it with them.
Listening to the TODAY programme this morning both a doctor and Sajid Javid promoted the latest vaccine for the elderly and immunosuppressed. Also , both said "around" 6 months , so maybe they're not so sure now , but still parroting "following the science" mantra .
They also mentioned waiting to be called by NHS and/or doctor . I've had an invite from my Health Centre who , presumably, must be aware that I had my 4 th vaccine end of December 2021 . So if I present at the beginning of April it will be 3 months since my last booster .
I think I'll print off the extract from the Green book , which you kindly included in your message , and take it with me when I go.
April was mentioned to me by Renal nurse.
I see in the bbc news this morning it is this coming week the immunosuppressed/vulnerable/seniors will start to receive letters for a fifth vaccine. Well some will. Will take some time again to sort, I’m sure.
Morning. The trouble is, these announcements are made, but nobody bothers to mention it to our Rheumatologists/ GPs etc. My Practice Manager had to register me for my 4th. Thanks for passing this on though I do foresee more drama ☹️..
Morning CL. 🌞 Yes, I anticipate some misinterpretation too, and not reading the correct docs. 🤨 Printing off the relevant section of the Green Book for the GP may help if they are denying knowledge, etc. You would think they’d know. 🤷♀️
I just came across the article on the BBC news website. The fifth to be given 6 months after the 4th, so for me that would be August!
Hope you manage to get yours sorted out..
Thank you. Yes that’s the one I read.
I received a text from my Health Centre , yesterday, inviting me to sign up for my next booster ( my 5th ). The walk-in centre I go to would be operating from next Tuesday . Result ! 😁
No, I’ve not got anything as yet by text to get a third as such. I’m going to the walk in on Tuesday. I think it may be busier than I thought now! That’s unless my GP practice now want to arrange something as I got a voicemail from them Friday but they just said return the call, but I couldn’t get through when I tried to phone back.
I hope you get your fifth this week! In view of it going to be much busier this coming week with the 5th vaccine for immunosuppressive people etc, I took my consultant letter down to a main vaccine centre at a footie stadium at 2pm as my OH said I think we should go now! I explained when I arrived outside in the foyer why I needed to repeat vaccines. The lead clinical nurse was called and took care of everything and they recorded me as immunosuppressed and said although it’s saying third primary dose, all the notes they’ve made on the (Pinnacle) system will explain everything re me needing to start again from vaccine1 as such.
She understood everything instantly. She said I’m to return there after 4, 8, 12 weeks for two more primary doses and a booster, as my consultant requested, in the letter I took and then catch up on booster(s) as the JCVI have recommended. Said easier to walk in than try book this on 119. They were so very helpful and the clinical lead gave me a sheet of paper with her mobile number, email and times and days she works and said Sunday afternoon was a less busy time. They were all so understanding and helpful and organised. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
So pleased to read this Neonkittie, made my day xxx
Thank you 💗 I was just about to post on the other thread when I saw your message. Thank you for all your help and support. xxx
You’re welcome, you do the same for many on here 🤗
Aww thank you and so do you, helping and supporting others. 💗 I hope anyone with a similar problem to mine would be encouraged not to give up and keep trying.
That's brilliant . They're all so well informed and helpful at these walkin centres , aren't they . Far the best way to get this done . So glad you can catch up now .
Thank you so much 💗 They were all very experienced and calm. They work so hard and we are all grateful for these brilliant doctors and nurses and admins/volunteers too. My GP and practice manager did try for me and Ig was the the PM who was advised by 119 to tell me to not use them but walk in, but the admin staff at my GP’s just didn’t know to override the Pinnacle computer system!
Thanks for this, Maureengibson! I had no end of trouble persuading my GP that I needed a 3rd primary dose then a booster so this Green Book extract might give me ammunition if I need it. Actually, I've seen in the media that GPs aren't getting as involved in this Spring Booster programme so I'll be glad not to have to do battle with my surgery yet again.
I thought that I heard on the news that those over 75 and those who are immunosuppressed will get the next tranche on April -at least 12 weeks from the last jab. But keep watching & listening for updates.
Yup ! Agreed . We're very near the end of March now . 👍We'll see .
I'm 72 (too young!) and on 20mg MTX a week (any more and you're eligible). So I miss out on the 4th jab, despite having raised this with both my GP and my rheumy helpline. I also have asthma, and comotbidities aren't taken into account either.
To be honest, I'm scared!
The antibody infusion worked really well for me and so I think that will make the difference to most people. Being infected is going to be unavoidable but treatments mean that it's not going to put people in hospital. My worry is that some see treatments as yet another reason not to be vaccinated.
I had an idea that finally it was decided that anyone on any amount of MTX could have the fourth jab . I was on 20 mg but I’m a lot older than you . Have you tried a walk-in?
I'm 71 and only on 15mg.methotrexate but was authorised by my consultant to have a 4th vaccine which I had on 1st March at a walk in centre.
Hi Greyknot, You’re almost at eligible and for some people they would have the same reactions to 20mgs Mtx as some would to 25mgs re immunosuppressive effects, so that’s a debatable area there and one I feel is worth you asking re a 4th vaccine. I saw someone posting they were on 15mg Mtx and their doc put them forward for it so check with your GP as also does depend on comorbodities and other prescribed meds you take and especially steroids are taken into account. Steroids have been a constant criteria all the way through categorising people as CEV/high risk etc. I’m not sure on the current minimum dosage and length of time re steroids to qualify people. Re asthma, I understand it depends on if asthma is controlled as my asthmatic friend told me, but many comorbidities are definitely included.
Check the government green book/doc online, Ch.14a. I was wrongly classified and denied CEV in April 2020 by a stroppy general nurse in rheumatology who would not listen despite Rtx, Mtx, hypogamma and chronic bronchitis. My rheumy was shocked when she came back to work in the department a year later.
Maybe I need to contact rheumatoid again and see if I can push them! What area are you in?
I'm not sure if your question is for me or Gymcactus , greyhound but I'm in the South West area .
Yes do so, Greynot.
How many? This seems very odd to me. Call me a sceptic, but is this not just big pharma cashing in? Many people have had covid despite the jab, so why do they need 2 more? This doesn't make sense to me. Maybe I'm just being dim witted.
I’m sure the government would prefer not to have to pay the huge sums needed for extra Covid jabs and Covid treatments. They would not be advocating more jabs for the over 75s and immune suppressed if they did not think they were necessary! If you don’t want any more jabs that’s fine just leave them for the rest of us who do.
You are most welcome to them. Considering they do not prevent either catching covid or passing it on. You have more faith in the government than I do that's for sure!
But the vaccinations have been shown to significantly reduce the serious effects of Covid, reduce the need for hospital admission in many sufferers and lessen the chance of developing long Covid. I have faith in the science.
I have faith in the science too, Lola. x
Me too !
The best way. 💗
I believe the chief executive of Pfizer was quoted out of context and had said in January the Pfizer was less effective for Omicron, which we know. Why additional doses/boosters are given. x
There have been 20 million excess deaths globally.. maybe they looked at that 🤔.
Plus the rising cases , especially here in the South West . Not to mention the waning protection , even after 4 vaccines , in the cohort presently invited for a 5th vaccine .
The cases down there will skyrocket once holiday season kicks in 🥺.
Clearly the jabs are not doing what was promised then?
Rubbish! See my reply to you above.
Is it though? Even Pfizer have admitted the jabs are not working. If people want to take it it's entirely up to them. Having now seen some of the information coming out from Pfizer I'd rather not, and until all the information is out there for the public I won't be taking it.
This goes for any medicine. I take Imraldi, and am fully informed about the risk/benefits.
The coronavirus mutates, as all viruses do, but whilst the jabs may not prevent infection they prevent the infection developing into a serious illness. If they can prevent the need for hospitalisation or subsequent death they are working. They have been shown to do that and many people are alive today who would not have been had they not had these vaccinations. Many elderly people in Hong Kong are dying now because they have not been vaccinated and were not offered the chance to be vaccinated.
Agree about mutations. It's the same for flu, but why same jab? As I say, it's up to the individual if they want it. For me personally it makes no sense. I've had covid, and I'm fairly ok in terms of arthritis pain. I really don't want to risk a massive flare. I'm also not happy with the current information slowly coming out on the vaccines. If people are OK with so many shots... again, it's their choice. I have no issue with people's right to choose what they put in their own body.
I'm not being deliberately argumentative. I'm genuinely worried about long term issues.
Excess from what though? Increase in cancer, heart attacks, strokes? What?
Excess deaths means ‘more deaths than usual’; in this case 20 million more deaths globally. That is not a statistical blip….. or a conspiracy, it is medical fact.
Yes but from what? It's not covid. There are far more illnesses out there than just covid.
Oh FGS of course there are, we're not stupid!
But there are now more than 300,000 people infected with COVID in the UK at the moment, according to the latest ONS Survey data (about to be scrapped by the UK Government). Patients going into hospital for other illnesses/treatments are testing positive for covid there (either going in with it or picking it up there) and becoming more seriously ill because of their underlying conditions and consequently putting additional pressure on the NHS. Most people with a runny nose who think they only have cold actually have the Omicron BA.2 variant, without necessarily knowing it as they may not be testing themselves. All these statements are scientific facts and were stated by Professor Tim Spector of in his ZOE Covid Study video broadcast yesterday.
You don't want more jabs? OK that's your choice and your decision of course.
But please stop trying to downplay the seriousness of situation and discourage others from taking up their jabs.
That is my concern too that some people may believe it’s not as bad as it is and that vaccines aren’t needed, when for the immunosuppressed they really are. The figures online on the BBC say in the last week there have been a million new cases. From 3.3m to 4.3.
So the four vaccines worked really well then!
Yes the jabs are working really well thank you. I haven’t had Covid.
Hi hope you're well. Its been on the news this morning that from 7am you can book your 5th vaccine.
It's been on news this weekend you can book a 5th vacc now
Hia,
I had my 4th vax 2nd January 2022 and just jumped online and booked my 5th for 3rd April, so it seems to be 3 months after the last vax otherwise it wouldn't have let me book.
I had no text or invite I just took the initiative and control of my own situation as we have had to through this whole debacle and booked for 3rd of April.
On a side note, my ALT went from 24 in the test 3 months prior to vax to ALT 45 a few days after my last Pfizer, anyone else notice this?
I just read in the other thread by Domhem that it can be 3 months after the last vax but 6 months is preferable. nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...
It's hard to find the info without you guys. I just booked not knowing about the suggestion of 6 months being better. Why do they muddle us up by calling it a "Spring Booster" for heaven's sake!
It'll be summer in my case as 6 months would be July for me. I thought there was a clue in that it's called Spring, suggesting actually that we should get it in spring bcz Covid number are nuts now, but that trail of crumbs left by the Gov would be too easy to follow, it's a cryptic crumb clue. It doesn't actually mean spring at all, it means 6 months after your last vax.
I will rebook mine in the summer, I'm calling it my "6 Month Booster"
I know ! It is really difficult to work out what is best . There was a time when it was better to wait longer - for the vaccine to really get into gear . Then the last one was only 3 months .
I had my 4th end of December so I thought I would have to wait until end of June ( 6 months) but if we're to have an autumn jab , which I guess will be circa September , that would only leave 3 months that end . Grrrrr !
As I've had a text from my surgery , I guess they know when my last jab was , and others have now successfully booked a "Spring" vaccine I think I'll go with that . I'll fight over the "Autumn" one when that arrives . 🙄
That's good to know . I like to go to a walk-in armed with all my "stuff" in a folder and there's never been a problem. Then I guess we will wait 6 month for the "Autumn" jab . Unless covid goes haywire and its brought forward to 3 months , again .
It is 3 months wait for the fifth one I was told yesterday when I went for my first vaccine repeated. It’ll be December before before I catch up with the fifth.
Good that you’re getting your repeats sorted . You’ll soon catch up .🥴
Thank you. Hard to believe it’s finally happening! I cannot thank my Immunologist enough for the brilliant letter he wrote. x
It's great when they step up to the mark . You feel like giving them a hug . I wonder if they know how important they are to our well being .
I always thank him and his secretary too. I’ve never met them as I’m a phone patient since August and due to the fact I’m shielding still and the hospital is one of the biggest in Europe and he says not sensible to go in. He said 90% of his patients were by phone at the mo as he can do the majority this way and get’s us to have bloods done at our GP practice. The way it still is for many at the mo.
5 jabs. Never heard that. So far people over 75 or younger immune suppressant can get 4th. Each jab has to be 6 months gap so 5th jab will bring it in line with the flu and Covid booster
I've had my 5th this week Jackie (spring booster). I was invited by email. england.nhs.uk/2022/03/nhs-...
Really. Mine was a Spring booster but 4th. Next will be around September the usual time
I've already had 4 and am waiting to be called for my 5th.
You can book your 5th online. It just says to take some sort of proof with you.
Yes, thank you, I could but I think I will wait a few weeks until I've finished this taper course of steroids. I asked my surgery receptionist if I'm on the list to be notified and she confirmed I am. She told me the surgery will be offering me a jab there if I want it so I won't have to travel far and go into a walk-in centre.
People who are immunosuppressed were offered a third primary vaccine , followed by a 4th vaccine ( booster) . Now we've been invited for a 5th . Possibly, because of rising covid levels.I go for mine on 7 April . Then I'll present for my 6th in the Autumn , if it's offered . I'd imagine they will be 6 monthly or yearly after that , depending on covid levels and/or waning properties of the present vaccines .
Rituximab or Covid Vaccine? 
Carers and Covid vaccine
Third vaccine
HPV Vaccine
