Spring COVID Booster

[Bayleaf1]

Well, here we are again. I have just received an email from NHS regarding the spring booster for Covid which says that according to my medical records I may be immunosuppressed and if so am invited for a booster. My question is that at the dose of 3mg of Prednisolone that I’m now taking would I still be classed as such? I’ve looked at the guidelines and it talks of anyone of 20mg for a length of time as being in this class but I’ve only ever taken 15mg at my highest dose and was told that I was immunosuppressed at that dose. Most confusing. Also, I have read of many PMR sufferers saying that they wouldn’t touch another booster with a barge pole as it had previously caused flares. So much conflicting information around that I don’t know what I should do. Can anyone please shed some light on this?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You are correct in that 20mg is the level quoted in the Green Book, but it does seem to be open to interpretation- so maybe discuss with your GP, and do you have any other health issues?

There have been a couple of posts over the last few days you might want to look at - but at the end of the day it’s your decision whether you want one -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

[Bayleaf1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I will take a look at the other posts as well. Nice to know that I am no alone in my confusion.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bayleaf1]

Never alone with that, especially when it comes to Covid …🤣😂

[Carathedog]

Hi, I’m currently on 8mgs. I had my Covid booster on Tuesday, I felt really tired on Wednesday, and sore shoulders and buttocks yesterday, but I’m feeling fine today.

Hop this helps

[Bayleaf1 in reply to Carathedog]

Thank you.

[PMR2011]

had the original Covid vacs (Moderna). Had Covid once after that (mild) and have chosen not to be vaccinated since. Fighting PMR and GCA since 2011, decided not to chance it. I still get Flu vacs and 2 years ago Shingrix. I definitely see it as a personal choice weighing the risks and benefits within one’s lifestyle.

[tangocharlie in reply to PMR2011]

I agree, it's a tricky decision. I had the early vaccines but only the first booster and didn't bother last year. Covid can trigger a PMR flare but then so can the vaccine. I've got Covid now, had it a few days. Think I caught it off someone I met up with the other day who said he had a cold - he hadn't tested but was coughing and sneazing and croacky voice - same as me plus I'm floored by fatigue. I am better than I was two days ago though so think it's going to be a mild case.

[Floridafan]

Last September I had a Covid jab and was on 2mg at the time. The lady giving the vaccine just asked how long had I been taking steroids which was 6 years at that time. No question about what dose I was on. I had the jab and was glad I did as a couple of weeks later I caught Covid (from being on a long haul flight most probably) and the symptoms were hardly noticeable

[Bayleaf1 in reply to Floridafan]

Thank you for your reply. When I looked up about eligibility after the sentence about being on 20mg it then says “people on long term immunosuppressants for……”and then lists certain conditions. I think I will try and get the booster as I’ve had no problems with them in the past.

[Poshcards]

Just remember Covid is still very much out there!