Ps Covid Jab

[FleetRose]

Do you know if I would be eligible for anti-virals should I contract Covid?Could this be a safer option for me?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Have replied to previous posts- and you could have edited that one rather than raise a new one..

.. and the advice is again wishy washy-“you my be offered antivirals if you are over 70 and considered at risk… “ probably depends on who you speak to , and which way the wind is blowing [flippant answer as you can see - apologies 😉]

[Kendrew]

Just to add to what DL has said, my neighbour who's 72, tested positive for covid last week. He has the autoimmune disease Myasthenia Gravis and has been on high doses of steroids repeatedly over the past number of years, and therefore immuno-compromised.

He remains very poorly, and is now on antibiotics for a bad chest infection.

Not once was he offered any antiviral medication at the start of his covid infection, despite him having been sent an antiviral 'pack' when covid was at its height a few years ago.

We're in Essex and it doesn't appear to be a protocol that's still being practised here anymore. If it is, then that message has not been heard by our local medical practitioners.

Of course this may be different in other areas of the country.

[Seekingasolution]

I’ve just written a response that answers this - hopefully yes if within 5 days of contacting Covid via your gp

[piglette]

I think I would ask for anti virals rather than expect my doctor to check if I were eligible or not. They can always say no, but at least they will check!!

[Kendrew in reply to piglette]

I know my neighbour's wife enquired about the antivirals (she's an ex nurse) but it was thought they were no longer readily available or even thought to be a necessary option any more! Seems that thoughts on this protocol varies somewhat!

[Bluey-1 in reply to Kendrew]

I had Covid over New Year. Tested positive very early as I was testing daily after my husband came down with it on Christmas Day. Rang the number on the NHS email I’d been send during the Covid years and triaged on the phone. Couldn’t have anti virals due to other meds but I had an infusion. I was only ill with Covid for a couple of days - like a cold with some fatigue. I’m up to date on all jabs. I was on 3.5mg at the time.

[Manihiki in reply to Bluey-1]

I had the infusion too and it really helped

[FleetRose]

Thank you all for your replies. I have been invited for a jab and have a slot booked for Thursday afternoon. Having said that I know some people are turned away as not meeting the criteria.

I’m not sure if I could see the full reply from Seekingasolution - am I missing something?

The whole situation seems a bit hit and miss without enough attention given to people with disordered immune systems. My consultant’s view was that my immune system had enough to cope with at the moment though of course catching Covid could be much worse. I think I’ll have to toss a coin!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to FleetRose]

They wrote another post -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Ann1A]

I was offered (and in fact at one point I developed covid and received ) anti virals during the main pandemic, however I have since been informed that as the virus mutates and weakens, they are no longer prescribed automatically , and in the event of contracting it again I should call 111.

[liz6620]

I got Covid at the end of May and rang 111 as soon as I tested positive, who put me through to the antivirals team. After various phone assessments Paxlovid anti-viral tablets were prescribed - a 5 day course. One now collects the tablets from a local pharmacy (gets someone else to) but it is important we find out where they are still in stock as many on the official list are without the medication. The anti viral team electronically send the script to whichever local pharmacy one can find with it if on their list.

The Paxlovid helped initially I think, but then I got something called paxlovid rebound - si back it came with a vengeance in the sense I got some congestion and a dreadful cough - I am still almost voiceless with damaged lower back and ribs from the cough. I tested negative by 15 June.

Paxlovid rebound only happens to a very small percentage of people. 5% was mentioned.

Ironically I enquired about the Spring Booster vaccine with my GP surgery in early May and was told I was not elligible. Mid my Covid illness I got a text saying I could have it - of course not possible until I am well anyway.

I would say avoid Covid if at all possible, but yes one can get anti-virals though it requires various phone calls and assessments. I can only assume though that as I'm still far from back to normal, things could have been a lot worse.

I think it was the fact I am on pred and MTX but have other health issues all combined which led to my getting the anti-virals. The anti-virals team kept in touch every 2 or 3 days too for a couple of weeks or so.

Yes I have had all previous vaccines and boosters and lead a very limited lifestyle not mixing indoors mostly unless well ventilated, shopping early or late when possible, avoiding public transport etc, no theatre or cinema.

I was 70 in the middle of all this - not a recommended way to celebrate!

[Bramble2000]

From what I read, if taking over 10mg of Prednisilone regularly then you would qualify for a Covid vaccination but you should’ve been called due to your age anyway. Regarding anti virals I think that has stricter rules. If you phoned 111 if you think you need them they will be able to tell you.

[Pixix in reply to Bramble2000]

I spoke to the Drs who are running the anti virals, see below. I am suffering Covid now, this is recent. If you phone your gp they fill in a form & send it to the appropriate Drsvwho them ring you back f talk about your background & your diseases etc. Over 20mg qualifies. Mostly PMR is not considered an immune system problem where Covid is concerned.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bramble2000]

This round of vaccines is for 75 and over, Fleet Rose is 74... 😊

[Bramble2000 in reply to DorsetLady]

I got the vaccine age 53 thanks to Amgevita. There’s a long list…

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bramble2000]

Yes but you have a lot of issues and obviously need one - was just replying to your specific comment re FR’s age.. 😊

[Pixix]

I just replied to another post with this…I asked for them the day I was tested positive (23 days ago). My gp put me forward as he felt I deserved them. The dr from ??? Rang me back a day later & said due to Govt changing things you only get them if on 20mg of pred. I think it’s also long term that you have to be on high pred. I have other diseases that mean I have a very poor immune system, but they didn’t mean I could have them, either. So, if in the uk & not on chemo, or have a cancer that makes your immune system low, try, as it may be another postcode lottery item, but don’t expect to get them because you have PMR, as I specifically asked that question! I’m on day 24 now & still having difficulty breathing & occasional coughing spells. Good luck! My GP told me I am not immuno suppressed on 10mg!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Pixix]

My GP told me I am not immuno suppressed on 10mg!!

Not suppressed enough as per the criteria in the Green Book for Covid vaccines/antivirals etc.. Not quite the same thing.

[Pixix in reply to DorsetLady]

No, but I specifically asked him the question during the Covid pandemic so that was his answer. But his answer was really Covid specific!!

[Doodles2013]

Hi. I'm on low dose steroids, 2mg, and I'm 52 years old. I rang 111 who got a doctor to ring me back. He went through some questions with me and said I was eligible but it was up to me whether I wanted them. I would ring 111 and they can go through it with you. Hope this helps.

[FleetRose]

Very interesting to hear such variation in people’s experiences. Thank you for all your replies.

The decision is out of my hands as I phoned the pharmacy and they said I was not eligible for the jab and would not be for antivirals if I caught Covid (though I think I’d give it a try). She confirmed you need to be 75 by the end of June (my birthday is December) and be on at least 20mg prednisolone as some of you have said.

I’m relieved the decision is made as I hate all this uncertainty though it would have been nice to have more protection and be able to socialise without the worry of catching Covid. Thank you again 😊