Information about the third Covid vaccine and boosters for immunocompromised patients

[PMRpro]

lupusuk.org.uk/covid19-vacc...

This is a link to the excellent LupusUK resource about the vaccines - drawn up/approved by doctors and other healthcare professionals. Although it was aimed primarily at lupus patients, much of the information applies to all rheumatology patients so I though I would bring it to your attention as they explain the third and booster shots (about half way down the page I think).

[MrsNails]

Have added that to the ‘Information Section’ in FAQ

[Ana-16]

Thank you. An interesting and useful read.

[Thelmarina]

Thanks so much - really informative and useful.

[Nextoneplease]

Thank you as ever PMRpro

[123-go]

Thank you for this.

[bright-horizon]

Thank you! We need as much information like this as we can get. I find it increasingly hard to be the one who is still being cautious and careful amongst friends and family. Having some data to back up my position helps immensely when everyone else is feeling well protected after their two vaccine doses.

[Viveka]

Very helpful, thanks.

[Grantoday]

That was very helpful thank you.

[Grammy80]

Terrific information! I received the Moderna vaccine in January and February. My doctor advised getting a third injection of Moderna last month since we do not have the Moderna booster yet. He felt too many months had passed since vaccination. I had no trouble getting it at a local pharmacy. Just reporting from the states.💖

[Joanbill13]

Thanks for post. I hadn’t read my letter properly. It recommends third dose for severely compromised. Not sure that would be me. I have been on 4.5/5mg pred now for sometime. What do you think?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Joanbill13]

When were you last above 10mg? Any other medications - or illnesses? Were you included in shielding originally? And what dose were you on at the time of the first two doses of vaccine?

But since you are over 50, you WILL be entitled to a 3rd dose of the vaccine 6 months after you got your second dose - so that will be fairly soon for over 70s won't it? The differentiation they are making is that all severely immunocompromised patients of ANY age will get a third jab, but they are calling it a booster for them and then they will get another jab in 6 months time. I think someone hasn't got their head around the names - what does it matter whether it is a third vaccine or a booster? It will do the same thing ...

gov.uk/government/publicati...

[Joanbill13 in reply to PMRpro]

I think you are right. It is a bit confusing. If you are very vulnerable you get a third dose and a booster is my understanding from reading my government letter more thoroughly. I Had a flare in June and took 15 for a few days then tapered down quite quickly which worked. Took till about mid July to get back to 6 and now down to 4.5 and 5mg. Going slowly. My GP advised shielding in the beginning and I get government letters. I would assume I will just get the one booster. Still being careful out and about but not as much as previously

[Joanbill13 in reply to PMRpro]

Did tell you I was on 6mg at the time of jabs