Good news from Blood Cancer UK

[jillydabrat]

Just had an email from blood cancer UK to say that Westminster today said that all household members of a person with blood cancer will be given priority for vaccination for Covid.

A bit late for my husband who has just had his first jab but good news for younger family members?

“BREAKING NEWS – The Government agrees to prioritise household members for the vaccine.

I am writing to share some brilliant news with you – the Westminster Government has today announced that household members of people with blood cancer are being made a priority for a vaccine.

This is really good news, as we know that people with blood cancer are at particular risk from covid, and also that the vaccine may not work as well for them because of their weakened immune systems. So vaccinating the people around them is important for protecting them.

Today’s news is down to the amazing campaigning from all of you over the last couple of months, writing to your MPs and other representatives and keeping the focus on the issue. Thanks to your efforts, people with blood cancer will now be better protected and so, on behalf of everyone with blood cancer, I want to say a massive thank you.

This shows once again that through concerted effort, we can get a better deal for people affected by blood cancer.

But the fight doesn’t stop there. We need to get funding for the research that will tell us which people with blood cancer the vaccines are most likely to work for, and we want the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to give doctors the ability to decide when their patients with blood cancer should get a second dose of a vaccine.

We’re continuing to campaign for this, and we’ll keep you updated on how you can help us get these changes.

While just England has confirmed that it will be adopting this guidance from the JCVI, we are seeking confirmation from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We'll continue to keep you updated.

Finally, thank you all for your continued support.

Best wishes,

Gemma Peters

Chief Executive at Blood Cancer UK”