I’ve had all the necessary covid vaccinations but had my 2nd covid infection during the first week in March. I see in the news that the spring covid vaccine is available for those on steroids. I’m currently on 13mg of pred having started on 15mg in February.
Is it likely that I will be asked to get the vaccine or do I request it? Or, should I have it all? Will I have enough antibodies from having had the infection? I’ve read somewhere that the vaccine may not be very effective anyway.
I’m sure like all the other previous ones you will be contacted by NHS and requested to make appointment - they are starting with those in care homes initially…and if you’ve had no issues previously, why wouldn’t you have it.
I’ve had 5 vaccines and still managed to get covid about 5 weeks ago [fortunately quite mild] so it’s still out there - and previous vaccines are obviously waning…..
The covid information in the FAQs has recently been updated by Fran_Benson so please check it out -
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Thank you, I’m grateful for your response, as always.
After my initial feelings of euphoria due, I assume to pred, I’m now suffering with/from (I’m never sure which it is) anxiety - about practically everything. I have various trips booked, which I wish I could cancel, particularly the one to Tenerife in May.
Hopefully I will be able to shake off this debilitating negativity which has been brought on, I’m sure, by a problem with my right ear!
Have you got your ear sorted now?… and anxiety can be side effect of Pred……
No I have to wait until tomorrow to try and book an appointment with the nurse. It’s a long story - I told the doctor I’d had a strange loud pounding in my head followed by a slight headache. As my blood pressure was ok she asked the nurse to check my ears. She told me to put oil in my ear as she couldn’t see my eardrum. I hadn’t had any problems previously with my ear but now after 6 days of oil my ear feels blocked and very odd.
Build up of wax methinks -and not nice….
Yes, I’m sure you’re right, not related to PMR or Pred.
As the others have said you will be invited for a vaccine. The Covid vaccine does not stop you getting Covid totally but reduces the symptoms.
I haven’t been invited yet by NHS but was able to book online.
really? I read it was only for those with greater vulnerability eg cancer, chemotherapy, blood disorders etc etc etc…no mention of steroid takers! I’m not expecting to be offered one!
sections 11-15 covers those patients on steroids - on differing levels/times - although it was posted last year and refers to 3rd primary, I’m guessing it still applies to this round of vaccines.
digital.nhs.uk/dashboards/g...
Thanks…I just thought it was changed this time to over 75’s & ultra vulnerable! Time will tell. My husband has received text message & email today inviting home to book, but I have neither, & don’t think I will be allowed one this time. S x
okay - guess they may see how it goes -and filter down accordingly…
I reckon so…but also, I think they don’t really think we are that vulnerable now!covid has changed & evolved…& many people on this forum at all levels of pred have had Covid & have been (relatively) fine! Only those over 10mg seem to qualify now for medical help, &, logically, if they are to offer it to steroid users, it may be 10mg & over! As Lclmlbls says her surgery didn’t think she is eligible…and mine don’t think so, either!I will ask him again on 17th when I have my steroid injection (bursitis)! But, as we’ve seen all the way through, it’s a lottery, last time some on 5he forum got one who were only on 2-3mg, & some of 15mg coukdnt get one! My reading of the initial Govt announcement was that we are not vulnerable enough to warrant one (guess unless on 30, 40mg & have GCA, perhaps). But surely it’s good news if we are not vulnerable, not bad news? Guess I hope there aren’t loads of posts each time somebody gets one…or doesn’t get one!!!!! S xx
We are trying to stop that - but of course everyone thinks they are the only one posting about it…..
oh, so true…sadly!
sorry, didn’t mean to open a can of worms ….
Not at all…..valid question.
Received my vaccine invitation from NHS this afternoon. However when I mentioned it to the surgery practice nurse to book a slot, she didn’t think I was eligible! 🤷♀️
well if you want it I would follow advice from NHS -did practice nurse say why?
just had a quick look, and that’s dated July, 2022. They may have changed it now (save money, don’t vax more than you have to…studies showing folk on steroids don’t die if the catch it, that sort of thing!!) Maybe?! S x
Yes I know it was originated in 2022…and this is from latest [in FAQs. Covid section] - but as it doesn’t specify maybe last year’s criteria still applies [who knows]-
“COVID-19 vaccines
If you have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medical treatment, and you are aged 5 years or over, you can receive a further COVID-19 vaccination booster this spring for extra protection if it has been at least 6 months since your last vaccination.
Adults aged over 75 years and residents in a care home for older adults are also eligible for an additional booster dose this spring.
The spring COVID-19 booster campaign will begin on 17 April in England, with the national booking system opening beforehand.
Vaccination of residents in older adult care homes will start ahead of this from 3 April.
Those with a weakened immune system can book online without waiting to be invited. It might help to take the vaccination invite letter, or an NHS letter describing your condition or treatment, or a repeat prescription slip with you.”
nice one, hope that clarifies it for all, then we won’t see all the posts & comments!!!! Thanks so much! Your efforts appreciated, as always! S x
Hmmm…oh look! There’s some pink things flying overhead..🐷🐷 ..😂🤣
Yes, just saw two go past the window! It’s the unfairness that gets to me…the postcode lottery syndrome!!
The nurse brought up new criteria on her screen. Something called a green paper?? Anyhow she is looking into it and getting back to me. I think I may not be eligible because I’m only on 13mg and have never been above 15mg. Will just have to wait and see.
Yes, the green paper….but you have been on steroids long term and that is mentioned in it. I think it can be an open to interpretation though! Let us know what is decided please.
I rang the surgery. The nurse had not left a message whether I should or shouldn’t have the booster. I explained to the receptionist I’d received an invitation text from NHS and after checking with ‘someone’ she booked me in for Wednesday.
I’ve not had any adverse effects from previous boosters (unless of course they caused the PMR in the first place!!) so, fingers crossed, all will be well. I had covid a few weeks ago but can’t find any information about how soon after having covid a booster can safely be given.
Well it used to be 4 weeks, but a lot of the Govt Covid information was withdrawn in March 2023.
I’m in a similar situation- but haven’t had invitation yet…but hoping when I book online it advises there…
Will have a look.
If I have interpreted it correctly page 33 mentions those on prednisolone >10mg should have the booster and page 43 says there are no safety concerns having the booster for those with a previous history of covid.
assets.publishing.service.g...
Maybe why they have rescinded the 4 weeks delay then -now they have more info…
Update - have just booked my booster online - and this is what it says on email confirmation re Covid -
What to do if you have had COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19:
If you have COVID-19, or think you might, wait until you feel better before getting vaccinated. You should also wait if you have a high temperature or feel particularly unwell with any illness. If you have recently got better from COVID-19, there is no need to delay getting vaccinated.
and this re weakened immune system -
If you booked a dose for people with a weakened immune system:
If you booked a dose for people with a weakened immune system, it can help to bring one of these things with you:
an NHS invitation prompting you to get a COVID-19 vaccination for people with a weakened or severely weakened immune system
an NHS letter that describes your condition or treatment
a repeat prescription or a medicine box with your name and a recent date to show you have a weakened immune system
You will need to speak to a healthcare professional before vaccination to check that you are eligible.
Thanks for posting that. I booked with my GP surgery but didn’t get an email with this kind of of information.
My surgery isn’t doing the boosters this time around - so have to go to a hub [local cottage hospital] which is why need paperwork…shouldn’t need it at your surgery. I didn’t when ours did the last ones.
Apologies if you have already seen this question, but I couldn’t find it when I looked back!
I’ve read somewhere that Moderna is the preferred booster for those on steroids. My GP Surgery is administering Pfizer. I’m booked in for a jab on Wednesday 19th April. Should I have it or try and find somewhere that is using Moderna? Any thoughts?
Not sure there is a preferred one…and preferred by whom, doctors or patients?
Some patients swear by one and not another - think that’s depends on whether there was any reaction, or even how good the person administering it was - that can make a difference to how you feel about the whole experience.
Not sure how long in advance those offering vaccine know which one they are using.
just had a call from the nurse at my GP surgery - I’m not eligible apparently!
Might still be worth looking online - if you start process of booking they soon confirm it you’re eligible -and won’t let you go any further if you aren’t.
Easiest way is though NHS app if you have it. .
If you can be bothered…
The nurse asked asked why I’d booked in and why I thought I was eligible. I explained I’d received the NHS text and read the paper 14a (9March 2023). The penultimate sentence in Table 3 - Immunosuppression “those who require long term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions including, but not limited to, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis etc etc” (not actually mentioning PMR). She said “that statement would cover other immunosuppressant treatment, not prednisolone. Anyhow anything below 20mg doesn't affect the immune system. “
Not sure if that is correct though.
Obviously I misinterpreted it.
Thanks for the advice Dorset Lady. As you say, if I can be bothered….
What does she think Prednisolone is if it’s not an immunosuppressant treatment? 🤦🏻♀️.…
I thought it was anything above 7.5 or maybe even 10mg affects the immune system - or am I getting confused?
Thank you for that, a very comprehensive list. I wish I had your and PMRPro's 'search' skills!😊
I spoke to the surgery this morning about my ear problem. The receiptionist said they would be sending out letters of invitation to those who were entitled to the spring booster vaccine,
years of practice -and keeping links (just in case required!) …
You should see my kitchen drawers 😳..😂🤣
I'm finally getting the hang of saving the posts that may be relevant in future - hope you don't keep your posts in the kitchen drawers 🤣🤣
No.. but there's a load of other things.....🤦♀️
My last Covid vaccine was in Nov 2021. I had Covid in June 2022. I was regularly having blood samples taken as part of the ONS (office for national statistics) study. The results of my last blood sample last month was The blood sample taken on 01/03/2023 from the participant was positive for antibodies at a higher level.
With these results, I shall not be having another vaccination. You maybe better protected than you realise but only you can find out.
Ah yes - but the antibody levels do fall and need to be refreshed from time to time.
Just received an invitation from the NHS to book my next booster. It states in the text message my phone that the vaccination is being offered to over 75s and those with compromised immune systems. If the latter you are asked to take some kind of proof of your condition. Booked in for next week, 18th April. Good luck.
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