I am worried that I will not be allowed the COVID vaccine because Pred is an immune suppressant?

[Tiramisu76]

COVID vaccination

[123-go]

As far as I'm aware, not enough is known as yet about the vaccine. We'll have to be patient. Others may be more up to date on this.

[Coffeebeans]

I'm not sure either but don't forget there are many different types of vaccine in development at the moment, all at a similar stage of development.

It will become clearer which will suit a particular group best. Sit tight, I'm positive there's a good solution.

[Constance13 in reply to Coffeebeans]

My attitude entirely 'sit tight' - wait until we have more experience, more results.

[MrsNails]

There was a big article in the Telegraph yesterday, l’ve copied it over to PMRpro to read, it a subscription article so a link to it won’t work, if Pro thinks it’s worthwhile she or l will post it.

MrsN

[DogAgilityObsessed]

The research hasn’t even been peer reviewed yet. Just announced by press release. So a long way to go. Plus we need the world vaccinated not just our country. So good news but life won’t be back to normal for quite a while.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Apart from the lack of public info about this particular vaccine in the context of older and immunosuppressed patients as yet - pred doesn't stop them recommending the flu vaccine. They are saying the first general recipients will be the oldest candidates - so they must have some evidence that a less effective immune system is not a barrier. It is only high doses of pred that are considered immunosuppressant.

It is going to be some considerable time before the current precautions can be dispensed with - keep your distance, wear a mask, wash your hands. Even once you have had both jabs it takes some time for you to be protected - that is the nature of a vaccine, takes a few to several weeks.

[Tiramisu76]

Thank you. That is quite encouraging. As you say , many older people will have poor immune systems.

[Lockdownsucks]

I had a telephone conversation with my rheumatologist yesterday, who works at the now famous University Hospital Coventry, and he advised me that I should have the vaccine when it is offered.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Someone on the Vasculitis site says he has called Addenbookes and spoken to one of Dr David Jane's team who says yes, everyone should be taking the vaccine if offered. If David Jane is in favour for his vasculitis patients - I wouldn't argue.

Think it comes down to risk-benefit analysis: do any of us refuse to drive down the road because someone was killed there in an RTC? Or get in a car at all if it comes to that? The risks of the vaccine are minimal in comparison to those of Covid.