[Closed] Asthma suffers and covid vaccination - are you expecting one?

Me = Teacher, aged 45. Daily Preventer inhaler. 4 doses a day, + Immunosuppressant meds for Eczema (a life changing difference BTW) and I am officially on the Shielding List, so I am expecting to be in Group 4.

EDIT I have never has an "Asthma Attack", but can get a persistent wheeze and have been prone to respiratory infections in the past.

Probably similar set up to you in terms of steroid use and age, I get vaccinated when I get vaccinated...

I've worked from home all year but ridden a lot and I the summer was out for beer a lot in a socially distanced way.

To be fair I'm more bothered about paying for prescriptions that keep me alive that diabetics get for free...

Do you take oral steroids as they would put you in group 4. If not then it's probably the immunosurpressant meds that are qualifying you for a jab.

I also get a persistent low peak flow in summer usually, down from 670 to 450 at points, but haven't had an attack as such, just wheezy and breathless.

In the same boat - 40, regular inhaler and offered the flu jab every year but when I enquired with my GP was told I'm at the back of the queue.

I think you will get one if you want one, but not in the very near future, as I thought that they had announced that they expect every adult to have been offered a vaccine by July?
I think the severe conditions that qualify for earlier vaccination are quite restrictive, certainly mild asthma (which I also suffer from, I have required oral steroids on two occasions in the past couple of years) is one one of them.
I have a 59 year old friend who has asthma, a heart condition, a rare thyroid condition that means any stress, both physical and mental, can cause him to go into severe shock. He has been told that he will be vaccinated in his age cohort not the high risk cohort as he was not given a shielding letter.
I understand your frustration with the messaging.

Yep it's super frustrating

From the nhs scotland site for groups at high risk..

This group includes people who are:

chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis

If this isn't the case then it needs removed from the guidance asap. I'm either at risk or I'm not..which one is it?

The green book is inconsistent with previous advice..it says you need to be on regular systrmic steroids to qualify for higher risk. Yet by the nhs own definition that put you in the cev category.

Asthma uk seem to be riding back on their original guidance for some reason

https://twitter.com/asthmauk/status/1341347824999538688

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-care-home-and-healthcare-settings-posters/covid-19-vaccination-first-phase-priority-groups

https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/what-should-people-with-asthma-do-now/#Vaccine

Suggests non severe asthma sufferers should be in group 6. So before the general population of adults.

Seems fair to me an ashmatic teacher.

Also asthmatic both on the blue & purple inhalers, who has also had pneumonia a couple of time so was a shielder, but not any more.

Otherwise a fit & healthy 41yr old, just have the view I’ll get whenever I get it - makes bugger all difference to being able to do things at this stage. Work remotely & get shopping delivered, so I’m pretty low risk regardless 🙂

Suggests non severe asthma sufferers should be in group 6. So before the general population of adults.

Seems fair to me an ashmatic teacher

They've rode back a bit on that advice. Certainly my gp doesnt think I'm in group 6.

Otherwise a fit & healthy 41yr old, just have the view I’ll get whenever I get it – makes bugger all difference to being able to do things at this stage. Work remotely & get shopping delivered, so I’m pretty low risk regardless 🙂

Yep for now all good. But what about in 6 months time when all the other at risk groups are vaccinated, then it's the front line workers, shop workers, transport folks..Basically the country will open up and I don't particularly want to still be at home avoiding folks as I'm at higher risk of severe illness.

Long term asthmatic on prevention meds as well but I won't be holding my breath for the vaccine soon. I've looked into the rabbit hole that is covid & come to conclusion its just an opportunity costs that I have got time to invest in.
Example - college at work COPD just had stage 2 lump removed from his lung chronic heart disease just had 3rd heart attack - signed off sick fit to work 😳 never had a shielding letter.

Yet they are dishing it out to folks in specs savers ffs

I wouldn't mind if the country is being shut down until everyone has the vaccine but it won't be. In 6 months time the risk to me will be far greater than at any other time during the pandemic. And point me to one other condition outlined in the links in my op that wont qualify folks for the vaccine...none..

Baically they are saying, it's a risk factor for sure, but there too many of you so you'll just have to deal with it

Total joke.

And if they are saying it's now not a risk they need to get the guidance changed. How does one go about requesting that?

I think some of the confusion arises because of the early classification of 'vulnerable' and 'extremely vulnerable'. I seem to recall at the outset those with more than mild asthma were initially advised to shield, but that was revised to people who are 'extremely vulnerable'.

I have moderate to severe asthma (inhaled and oral medications, recent emergency hospital trips etc) and so fell initially in the the 'shielding' category, but apparently no longer do. I haven't heard owt and whilst I'm hoping to fall into the early jab category, I doubt I will, sadly.

I think that's right Jakester. We have a severely asthmatic daughter and initially she was thought to be in the highest risk category but this was revised and in fact we were told in some cases asthmatic people were at lower risk than those without. Perhaps it depends on the type of asthma/triggers etc.

No, I havent even been invited for my annual Flu vaccine, so I doubt I'll be getting the Covid one.

So today I mentioned it in passing to my gp surgery. Apparently I don’t qualify as despite having a daily steroid inhaler and free flu jab, I’ve not got asthma thats sever enough to put me in hospital.

This sounds exactly like me.
I've accepted that I won't get one until much later in the year as even with the Asthma I'm relatively healthy and condsider myself low risk. Hoping I won't be at the very end of the line, but wouldn't be suprised if I am.

@Jakester, you will definitely be eligible as both recent hospital visits and oral steroids are qualifying factors in the green book

It's not just about having to shield however. The guidance says non severe is also a risk, even if you don't need to shield. The dept of health even said as much to asthma uk as revently as December!

but this was revised and in fact we were told in some cases asthmatic people were at lower risk than those without.

Yet all the government guidance, including those published 1 month ago states otherwise.

You may be correct, but if so they need to change the guidelines. This isn't a trivial thing. People with asthma are making significant sacrifices to follow the government guidance. It's not just about a bit of extra hand washing, I've barely seen any of my mates, stay clear of the local cycle club runs etc..if im not at greater risk than a normal 45 year old then my behaviour will change greatly ( within the rules if course) over the next 8 months.

If they turn round and say, oops sorry you aren't at any more risk after all that I'll be furious.

Well, let's hope so, but (pardon the pun) I won't be holding my breath!

Asthma uk seem to be riding back on their original guidance for some reason

Is there recent info from them?

I found several twitter threads with folks (inc you?) pointing out the difference between what Department of Health have said vs what is in the green book... Maybe Asthma UK need to be lobbying further to get the green book updated.

I'm in the same boat as OP, except I cannot WFH, quite happy to wait tbh and would rather see police/ambos/teachers etc get it ahead of me (although obviously if offered would very gladly accept!)

Is there recent info from them?

They've gone from 'we've been told that if you use a steroid inhaler you are in group 6 and have asked for guidance to be changed' to 'we understand non severe asthma sufferers are in group 6 but are seeking urgent confirmation on this'. Looks like their post on 22nd Dec was a bit premature.

Tbh i don't mind not getting the jab if I'm not at greater risk than anyone else, i don't expect to jump the queue. My issue is that they are telling me i am at greater risk, I need to take extra precautions, yet I'm not going to get a vacine until pretty much the entire uk population has had one before me.

I called asthma uk about it yesterday, they agreed the messaging was unclear and many folks had contacted then with same query. They are apparently discussing it with policy team today but I'm not going to hold my breath. As a minimum however, someone needs to clarify the risk to non severe asthma sufferers, as last time I looked it was similar to someone with diabetes, which is most definitely a qualifier for the jab.

The thing that worries me most is not dying, that's very unlikely. The issue for asthma sufferers is that long covid ruins the lungs, and if they already don't work particularly well the effects could be magnified.

My issue is that they are telling me i am at greater risk, I need to take extra precautions, yet I’m not going to get a vacine until pretty much the entire uk population has had one before me.

I'm the same - chronic asthma, I have been hospitalised with pneumonia etc. Is it not the case that once a certain proportion of the population is jabbed the risk of infection reduces anyway? I don't particularly care if I'm the first 55 year old or the last 55 year old to get it, as by then a meaningful chunk of us will not be passing it around.

it’s not ideal obviously but realistically all you can really do is carry on keeping your head down for a few more months!

It's not a few more months though is it. Once the first 9 priority groups are jabbed around may time it'll be a free for all with all restrictions being lifted.

In phase 2, if they continue doing it by age then I won't be far behind, however i think the plan is then to switch to those most exposed to the virus.

I suspect, as a non front line worker I'll be fairly down the phase 2 list, despite being at a higher risk than most of serious illness in phase 2 due to both my age and my asthma.

Realistically I'll be surprised if I get a jab before November time. Living on my own I'm genuinely not looking forward to the the next 10 months, my mental health has taken enough of a battering already, a large contributor to that has been the fact I've been taking so many extra precautions, based on nhs advice. They need to come out and be transparent about the risk. If there is none then fine, I'll just carry on as normal.

Have you tried speaking to your GP/asthma consultant for more specific advice?

Have you tried speaking to your GP/asthma consultant for more specific advice?

I've never been refered to an asthma consultant. Basically, until last may I was prescribed a blue ventolin reliever inhaler. I was using it 2-3 times a day and had peak flow readings of around 450 (down from 650 after using the inhaler). I assumed this was normal usage, but only after checking online did I realise that I should be using the blue reliever inhaler around 3 times per week max. So I contacted the gp to ask to see the asthma nurse, only to be told they aren't running the clinics at the moment but 450 was very low and I should be on a steroid prevented instead.

So I have been prescribed one of them and hey presto my peak flow now never drops below 550 and is usually over 600.

My GP is the one who said I'm not eligible for covid vac, only the flu jab. Since thats the case I'm of the mind to ask her to confirm to me that all the documentation on the nhs sites is inaccurate and that I'm in fact st no additional risk. Be interesting to see what she says

45 year old with asthma, brown puffer once a day, blue puffer when needed.

Mostly working from home, need to visit a site once or twice a week.

I expect theres a boatload of people at greater risk than me so happy to wait in line. My 98 year old Grandad has only just had his, 78 year old Dad is due to have his Friday and I’d be pi55ed off if I though people in my position were ahead of him in the queue.

I'm not a Doctor but I have done the e-training on the two vaccines and I don't recall asthma being a contraindicator.

45 year old with asthma, brown puffer once a day, blue puffer when needed.

Mostly working from home, need to visit a site once or twice a week.

I expect theres a boatload of people at greater risk than me so happy to wait in line. My 98 year old Grandad has only just had his, 78 year old Dad is due to have his Friday and I’d be pi55ed off if I though people in my position were ahead of him in the queue.

This about sums it up for me if you take 5 years off all the ages mentioned.
My asthma is well controlled, I'm fit and healthy and in truth whilst I've played by the rules, I've certainly not been overly cautious through the last year.
There are people in much greater need of the vaccine than me.

I expect theres a boatload of people at greater risk than me so happy to wait in line. My 98 year old Grandad has only just had his, 78 year old Dad is due to have his Friday and I’d be pi55ed off if I though people in my position were ahead of him in the queue.

Absolutely, so would i..my mum and dad are both 75 and haven't had a jab yet not even been contacted. I'm not arguing that asthma sufferers should be ahead of those more at risk. I'm arguing that we should be prioritised according to the risk that is set out in every nhs publication since covid appeared. So probably in front of a healthy 50 year old for example.

And if we aren't at greater risk then make sure that's clear so we can adjust our behaviour accordingly.

_scoff_cake
I’m not a Doctor but I have done the e-training on the two vaccines and I don’t recall asthma being a contraindicator.

I don't think anyone is suggesting it should delay provision - rather, people are asking whether or not it makes you a higher priority for vaccination.

Purple and blue inhalers for me, and in my mid (okay late) fifties.

Would be nice to get the vaccine soon, but in all honesty there are loads of folk out there in far greater need. Some because of age and/or health, others because of doing useful, even vital, work.

I have done the e-training on the two vaccines and I don’t recall asthma being a contraindicator.

Indeed, in fact it comes up as an incorrect answer if selected in the list of contraindicators.

Apparently I don’t qualify as despite having a daily steroid inhaler and free flu jab, I’ve not got asthma thats sever enough to put me in hospital.

So that's good then isn't it?

My daughter has a steroid inhaler and there's a less than zero need for her to have the vaccine ahead of anyone else her age.
Maybe the fact that you're, presumably, well enough to be able to go biking regularly should be an indicator of your risk?

Maybe the fact that you’re, presumably, well enough to be able to go biking regularly should be an indicator of your risk?

That means it is well controlled asthma and probably not triggered by exercise, mud, dropper posts etc.

Instead, their trigger might be viral chest infections 🙁

My asthma is controlled,.... ( just about )
Seretide inhaler .. 2 puffs twice daily
Montelukast tablet every evening
And always have my ventolin reliever with me
I get the flu jab yearly, but don’t expect the COVID jab any time soon.

I think the decision re qualifying or not comes down to the definition of “ Chronic”... and although I get severe attacks every couple of years ( usually exercise induced ) the fact it is normally controlled by medication suggests to me mine is not Chronic

Nearly a year now I’ve still been going to work, wearing a mask avoiding groups of people, getting shopping online and delivered ( mainly )
In fact doing anything I could to protect my 88 year old parents who did get jabbed last night 😁, and although I know that’s not the end for them, it is a start and a huge relief to me.
Am content to carry on with my regime for a while yet as I expect another rise in cases later in the year when covidiots think they can go back to normal life 5 minutes after finally getting jabbed 😒

I’ve never been refered to an asthma consultant

That reads to my non-medically trained eye that there are therefore a while heap of people ahead of you in the queue for the vaccination, unfortunately.

Doesn't explain why you got a shielding letter though.

Doesn’t explain why you got a shielding letter though.

I didn't get a shielding letter. That would put me in group 4, not group 6.

Maybe the fact that you’re, presumably, well enough to be able to go biking regularly should be an indicator of your risk?

Utter Nonsense...I have well controlled asthma, it's not severe but that doesn't mean I don't have it. If you are so sure there is no risk then why does every nhs publication that covers risk factors say that non severe asthma is a risk. Click on the 3 links in my op, it's all there. And why are asthma uk stated that they think everyone on my medication should be in priority group 6?

but in all honesty there are loads of folk out there in far greater need. Some because of age and/or health,

I'll reiterate again, im not for a minute saying I should be given it in front of those at greater risk. The nhs have clear priority groups to ensure this doesnt happen, based on risk factors. After all the pensioners, shielders, and healthcare staff have been vancinated then there is priority group 6. This is for people who are not clinically extremely vunerable, but do have underlying health issue which puts then at higher risk than everyone else that's not been vaccinated in the first 5 groups. In every nhs publication I have ever read (links in the op) moderate asthma (ie asthma that makes you eligible for the flu jab) puts you within this higher risk category.

I'm not saying I should get it before some 90 year old care home resident. I'm saying the NHS have defined my chronic ailment as puttimg me in the higher risk group, (read the links I posted in op if you think I'm talking rubbish), and as such i should be prioritised alongside everyone else who has an ailment in the same risk group. If my ailment isn't a risk factor however then the nhs should be clear on that and remove my condition from the list of high risk conditions

As it is they are saying 'you are at greater risk of illness, you need to take extra care'..followed up by 'no, you aren't getting a vaccination.'

The contradiction is fairly clear..

I'm sure no one with asthma expects to be prioritised ahead of the elderly. I was assuming it would be group 6. If not, that means my partner who is 50 in 2 months and perfectly healthy will be offered it before me. I have 4 puffs of fostair daily but still feel like someone is sat on my chest.

If you are in the group "16- to 64-year-olds with serious underlying health conditions", then you will be prioritised ahead of 60 year olds, but behind 65 year olds. IDK if you think that that is 'elderly' but that isn't the point.

Since last March, "Underlying health conditions" = clinically venerable according to the guidance. This included moderate asthma, the implication being that if you catch covid you are more statistically likely to die than a 60 year-old. You should take serious precautions.

But now they are saying "Underlying health conditions" = clinically venerable but that does not include moderate asthma.

So either you:
a) are still at significant risk of dying (but sorry, we are not going to vaccinate you according to that risk), or
b) weren't actually at significant risk of dying (but sorry, that semi-shielding was pointless compared with your age-based risk).

Transparency on the decision making would be nice. U-turns based on evidence is fine.

I'm clinically venerable. 🙂

Just checked with my missus re the changing advice and she said some of it came from our daughter's asthma consultant and some from info she had to dig out herself (this is for young people though, it may be different for adults).

It does seem there was a shift in how serious it was believed to be for asthma sufferers and that this wasn't really communicated well if at all.

FWIW our daughter has severe asthma which has hospitalised her many times and she is in group 6

50, Critical worker, 2 puffs of Fostair twice a day, flu jab every year, and take a nasal spray (couldn't get on with Montelukast tablets)

I've accepted I get the jab when I get it and understand there are people who need it before me.

@sofaman

But now they are saying “Underlying health conditions” = clinically venerable but that does not include moderate asthma.

That's the issue, they aren't saying it doesnt include moderate asthma.

At risk list

From the above..

People at moderate risk from coronavirus include people who:

have a lung condition that's not severe (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis)

Or from Nhs scotland

From above

People at high risk..This group includes people who are:

aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
under 70 and instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds

This is current advice, nothing has changed to suggest we are at less risk. Amd if it has the nhs need to change the guidance

As for this..

I’ve accepted I get the jab when I get it and understand there are people who need it before me.

Once again...I'm not asking for the jab before people who need it more than me. I'm asking for it before people who, by the nhs definition of who's at risk, don't need it as much as me. Ie healthy people in their 50s who by all accounts aren't as at much risk as someone with moderate asthma. That's according to the nhs links above..

FWIW our daughter has severe asthma which has hospitalised her many times and she is in group 6

IMO these are the folk that should be in group 6 not those who are well controlled / managed / or for who it does not have significant life limiting effects

Advice will change as the science becomes clearer. Its just a pity that you cannot rely on westminster to be taking decisions for the right reasons and given the total muck up they have made of it all its hardly surprising that people are sceptical

I'm not saying you are tpbiker, I was giving my opinion on myself. Given the opportunity, I'd have it tomorrow if I could.

This is current advice, nothing has changed to suggest we are at less risk.

The following chimes with what we were told:

Who Is at Risk From COVID-19?
Early information about COVID-19 advised that people with chronic lung disease, including asthma, may be at higher risk for COVID-19.1

The data to date (as of 7/16/20) show no increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severity of COVID-19 disease in people with asthma. The CDC does list moderate-to-severe asthma as a possible risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease, but there are no published data to support that at this time.1,2,3

https://community.aafa.org/blog/coronavirus-2019-ncov-flu-what-people-with-asthma-need-to-know

/ or for who it does not have significant life limiting effects

I'm sorry but I can't agree with that. Numerous studies show that covid can do long term damage to the lungs. Asthma uk has had numerous accounts of people developing long term respiratory issues through long covid. That's bad enough if you had healthy lungs to start with, so you can imagine it ain't going to be great when someone with already impaired lung function gets it.

But, and this goes back to my earlier point, if I'm not at any greater risk, then the NHS need to clearly state that.

Remember it's not in my interests to be at higher risk of a deadly disease. I'd much rather I wasn't. But at this point medical advice says I am.

There are 2 positive outcomes for me..nhs backtrack and states my asthma puts me at no greater risk..

Or they say I am at greater risk and give me the vaccine in line with others at similar levels of risk. I'm happy with either (I'd prefer not to be at risk at all)

What isn't acceptable is saying I'm at greater risk, but then not prioritising me for a vaccine. Which is what is happening now . Im strugglimg to see how anyome can argue with that stance.

But at this point medical advice says I am

Except the NHS in the form of your GP (who you would have thought has the latest, most current, information when compared to some web pages that have not been updated) says you're not.

I’m not at any greater risk, then the NHS need to clearly state that.

Which is what your {NHS} GP has done.

You're looking at advice given quite a while ago.... More is learnt about the virus, and who it affects most, every week.

The data to date (as of 7/16/20) show no increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severity of COVID-19 disease in people with asthma. The CDC does list moderate-to-severe asthma as a possible risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease, but there are no published data to support that at this time.1,2,3

from a link a couple of posts above you

My dad who is 85 has been hospitalised with respiratory conditions has a fibrosed lung, copd etc etc has not had his yet!

the problem here is not you are being treated unfairly - its rubbish communication from Westminster. The science has changed.

What isn’t acceptable is saying I’m at greater risk, but then not prioritising me for a vaccine. Which is what is happening now . Im strugglimg to see how anyome can argue with that stance.

Thats not what is happening.

Except the NHS in the form of your GP (who has the latest, most current, information when compared to some web pages that have not been updated) says you’re not.

Wrong, the gp is going purely on what the government green book has stipulated. Which may or may not be correct. Asthma uk are saying they have had confirmation from dept of health (post publication of green book) that the green book advice is wrong. The GPs don't have the latest advice at all on what the risks of asthma are. Both my brother and sister in law are gps, and they have had no guidance other than the green book, and themselves are surprised asthma isn't in group 6.

Likewise, asthma uk and British lung foundation are pretty clued up on this kind of thing, far more than your average gp. And their guidance, which is updated regularly, says I'm at risk.

Thats not what is happening

Yes it is. The guidance Is saying I'm at greater risk. That's a fact. Thats Guidance published in November and still available online. Yet they are saying I'm not getting a vaccine. That's also a fact.

So it's exactly what is happening.

But go on, humour me with why you think otherwise..

My dad who is 85 has been hospitalised with respiratory conditions has a fibrosed lung, copd etc etc has not had his yet!

And what's that got to do with anything? I'm not expecting to be vaccinated in front of your dad? Or anybody at greater risk than me. And if if not at risk then NHS need to cone out and say so.

I'm not alone here, asthma uk have been inundated with queries about the conflicting guidelines. Even policy guy from British lung foundation is confused by it.

I’m in the same boat as Troutwrestler: immunosuppressant meds for eczema, asthma sufferer, 47. Had the shielding letters but have continued working and can’t work from home.
I got a (surprising) call on Monday morning from the GP surgery and went to a vaccination hub they were organising and had the Pfixer jab. On the initial call they said they’d done the over 80s and we’re finishing the over 70s. I got the impression they were using up a batch.

Anyone on immunosurpressant drugs is rightly in group 4 as far as I'm aware.

Btw..for those who think GP's are the fountain on knowledge on the latest asthma developments, the latest advice from both british lung foundation and asthma uk (updated on last 48hrs) clearly states asthma is a risk, so much so.that the latter is lobbying the dep of health to change the eligibility criteria asap. I think they probably know what they 're talking about.

And I'm pretty sure that if they had seen any concrete evidence of no risk, they'd be more than happy to share with their 60k odd followers.

tpbiker - that is exactly what you want to do. Jump the queue ahead of those more at risk. Yes asthma is a risk but so are loads of other things including age.

yes the messaging has been poor thats the reason for your distress not that you are being unfairly treated. You are not at greater risk, you do not have a serious enough condition

have you been hospitalised with asthma? do you take oral steroids?

Asthma comes in a range of severity. Only the severely affected should get the priority you seem to think all asthmatics have. I have very mild asthma. Not had an attack for months. I take no medication for it. Am i a priority in your book?

I understand its hard to trust the messaging when its been so poor but you are not the priority you think you are.

My dad has not had a jab yet because the scottish government is prioritising those most at risk. He is in the group being jabbed now and should get one in the next week or two. He is far far higher risk than you are. If he gets covid he will die 99% chance - and he knows this. But he is waiting patiently because he knows others are higher risk

Btw..for those who think GP’s are the fountain on knowledge on the latest asthma developments, the latest advice from both british lung foundation and asthma uk (updated on last 48hrs) clearly states asthma is a risk, so much so.that the latter is lobbying the dep of health to change the eligibility criteria asap. I think they probably know what they ‘re talking about.

Well the info I had is from an asthma specialist not a gp. But a gp could give you an informed view about your concerns.

The NHS only say severe asthma could be a risk factor for covid, not moderate asthma, and asthma UK suggest referring to the NHS so I can't see what info you are referring to.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/whos-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus/

I think you've got a bit overly worked up about all this tbh.

There will always be thoughts who feel unfairly treated in when they receive the vaccine, but what should be clear is that the COVID vaccine guidelines are in no way linked to the flu jab

The fact is the clinically vulnerable group does not include people with mild asthma.

My mother who is 75+ Obese, heart failure, recent cancer, immunosuppressed hasn’t had hers yet.

Luckily I’m in a position where I’ve had my vaccine working in the vaccine programme. I don’t have asthma but I was hospitalised with Pneumonia a few years back. I now have reduce lung capacity and scaring, a blue inhaler for when I need it. Having had the vaccine does not change my behaviour at all though, the vaccine is no magic guarantee you won’t get COVID

The fact is the clinically vulnerable group does not include people with mild asthma.

Quoting directly from the NHS (from the link provided by glum, reviewed 7th Jan):

People at moderate risk (clinically vulnerable)
People at moderate risk from coronavirus include people who:
- are 70 or older
- have a lung condition that's not severe (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis)
...

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/86323&ved=2ahUKEwiTk5KS0KzuAhXMRRUIHd2oCbUQFjACegQIDxAB&usg=AOvVaw24uAVUIY-VUUyN-VcL-hAG

No evidence that shows higher risk from covid for people with asthma, in fact it seems to be the opposite. This was not initially known.

All the advice from the NHS for people in the moderate risk category is just to make sure you socially distance etc, which is what we should all be doing anyway.

I would just chill out and wait your turn, or contact your gp for more clarity. You seem to want to believe that you are at a high risk and so should get the vaccine early.

I think we're confusing "moderate risk" with "clinically vulnerable" here. I wouldn't equate the two, but then I'm neither a doctor nor an asthmatic.

OP, I can understand your frustration with the messaging, but firstly you have to accept that the science / knowledge changes as we get more data, and secondly it is no bad thing if your behaviours have been decreasing your risk to catching coronavirus. Risk is a difficult thing to understand because it doesn't apply to any one individual but a population. It does seem that at the beginning categorising any diagnosis of asthma, equally any diagnosis of any mental health issues like depression no matter how long ago and whether or not stabilised or under control, are an easy way to split the data. Perhaps we don't have the data / descriptions to differentiate the most at-risk individuals from the condition they are living with.

"People with asthma are making significant sacrifices to follow the government guidance. ... if I'm not at greater risk than a normal 45 year old then my behaviour [would change] ... If they turn round and say, oops sorry you aren’t at any more risk after all that I’ll be furious."

Would you really be furious? Flip your thinking around, if you didn't have a diagnosis of asthma, would you really be behaving any differently? So you were told (back in March 2020, the data may be different now) you had a higher risk of complications if you caught coronavirus, but as an individual - as an individual without any 'underlying health conditions' - you can still get complications, you can still get long covid, you could still die. The likelihood is over the population. There is a decent proportion of hospitalisations that aren't over 70, even though most are over 70 and from those in hospital most going to ICU are over 70, there are incidents of 18-year-olds in ICU. Also all the things you said you are doing, we are also doing, because it is the right thing to do to limit the spread of the disease. Try and think positively about the sacrifices you have made for the greater good.

Good post konagirl ^^^^

tpbiker – that is exactly what you want to do. Jump the queue ahead of those more at risk. Yes asthma is a risk but so are loads of other things including age.

Where have I said that? Have I said I'm expecting the jab now? Have I said I'm expecting the jab before 80 year old pensioners like your dad or my folks? I've explicitly said I'm not trying to get the jab in front of people more at risk than me so don't insult me by saying as much

Tj, you say I'm not at risk, but please forgive me for taking the advice of what's published on the nhs site, the guidance from the British lung foundation, and asthma uk above some random nurse on the internet. This information has been updated within last week by all 3 organisations. It may end up being wrong, but at the moment im following the guidance that is there. Which specifically says non severe asthma puts you at clinical risk.

That said I've heard today that asthma uk are seeking urgent clarification from the dep of health, who themselves confirmed asthma was a risk factor for vaccination on 20th of December (after the green book was published). So they may well come back and tell me moderate asthma doesn't put me at clinical risk and their publications are wrong.

Also all the things you said you are doing, we are also doing, because it is the right thing to do to limit the spread of the disease

I don't know what you are doing but i am taking far more precautions than my friends. I've not been to a friend's house in 10 months, have had no visitors, not been into a bar or coffee shop since last feb, and wipe down all my groceries when they come in the house.

If they say the guidance has changed and I'm not at greater risk then fantastic, won't be doing any of the above any more, and I can bash on with all the good stuff that my mates have been doing. (When it was legal to do so obviously)

"more at risk"

you are at increased risk but with your mild to moderate asthma its a very small increase

Look multiple people have tried to explain this to you.

I’ve explicitly said I’m not trying to get the jab in front of people more at risk than me so don’t insult me by saying as much

Actually you are because you overstate the risk you are at.

I’ve explicitly said I’m not trying to get the jab in front of people more at risk than me so don’t insult me by saying as much

The problem is that while you have made that clear in subsequent posts, your initial post included the line:-

I’m pretty pissed off that I’m now being told I’m not going to be prioritised for a vaccine.

So you can maybe see how people would have come to certain conclusions, even if said conclusions weren't totally accurate.

Actually you are because you overstate the risk you are at.

No TJ, the nhs and asthma uk may be overstating the risk, I'm not.

It's not me saying that non severe asthma makes me clinically vunerable, it's the nhs (on 7th jan)

It's not me that is saying under 70s who are Instructed to get the flu jab are at higher risk...again it's the nhs that are saying that

Don't go accusing me of overstating the risk. If you have an issue it should be with the NHS who are providing this information. I'm simply following the advice they have given me

Look multiple people have tried to explain this to you.

If those multiple people (including yourself) can provide qualifications that means I should listen to their advice above what's published online by people who are meant to know about this kind of stuff then fine, otherwise I'll take their opinion with a pinch of salt.

For what it's worth, my brother, a man far more qualified in pretty much every aspect of medicine than yourself initially thought id be in group 6, as whilst the risk is low, evidence suggests the risk is still there, especially in long covid sufferers.

I’m pretty pissed off that I’m now being told I’m not going to be prioritised for a vaccine.

I obviously meant prioritised over healthy people around my age, not prioritised over people far more at risk such as TJs dad!

If those multiple people (including yourself) can provide qualifications that means I should listen to their advice above what’s published online by people who are meant to know about this kind of stuff then fine, otherwise I’ll take their opinion with a pinch of salt.

Why on earth are you posting about it on STW then?

You really need to calm down, you're just working yourself up over something you have no control over.

Why on earth are you posting about it on STW then?

I was asking if anyone else with asthma expected to be offered the jab. The answer is apparently no.

I wasn't asking the usual armchair experts what my level of risk was.

I was asking if anyone else with asthma had been offered the jab.

This is currently a pointless question for you, as you are nowhere near group 4, and in most parts of the country they are not even offering the jab to them yet. The group 6 invites will probably not go out until early summer, at which point asking whether you're on the list is worthwhile.

I'm currently waiting to see if I'm in group 4. It's not something I'm going to start bothering my GP over, as I know they are under the cosh trying to get to patients who are far more vulnerable than me.

Why on earth are you posting about it on STW then?

You really need to calm down, you’re just working yourself up over something you have no control over.

I think it was a legitimate question - like everyone, I'm sure TPBiker has a level of anxiety and simply wants clarity as to the priorities.

As is evident from the thread there has been poor communication about priorities when it comes to asthma - the messaging is far from clear.

As a fellow sufferer who is pretty much terrified of catching this disease, I can well understand the need for clarity and reassurance.

Let's not have a pile on as it really isn't going to help anyone.

It is also isn't helpful for someone to only listen to advice when it tells them what they want to hear, and get shirty with people who have given them useful information from legitimate sources about a changing picture.

This is filed under people wanting simple answers to complex issues.

To answer the question directly, my daughter who has severe asthma had not been offered the vaccine yet. Nor has my highest risk category organ-transplant immunosuppressed partner (group 4). The idea that someone with mild/moderate asthma is getting in a tizzy about this is way ott imo, but I've tried to be compassionate. I give up now.

This is currently a pointless question for you, as you are nowhere near group 4

Well not really as the GP's appear to already know who is in which priority group. I asked her as i was in for another appointment about an unrelated issue. I'm sure Plenty of other asthma sufferers have asked the same question already, indeed someone in this thread did and got same response as I did.

As a fellow sufferer who is pretty much terrified of catching this disease, I can well understand the need for clarity and reassurance.

That's exactly where I am. I've been told I'm at greater risk and it's reflected in my anxiety levels. Being then told I'm not getting a vaccine in first 9 groups just aďds to that anxiety

What asthma sufferers require is clarity from the government. Are we at greater risk of not? If not brilliant, it would massively reduce my level of anxiety. I'd much prefer to not be at extra risk and be far down the vaccine priority list as would any sane person with an underlying disease.

Let’s not have a pile on as it really isn’t going to help anyone.

Are you new here? Surprise surprise it's always the usual suspects..

Are we at greater risk of not

Possibly, but probably not.

useful information from legitimate sources about a changing picture

You have posted one link saying there is no evidence asthma is a risk factor. Everything else I have read says it is.

I'll make it clear, I'm not interested in whether you or tj or any one else thinks I'm not at risk, that's not the question I asked in the op. With respect, unless you are an expert in the field then your opinion is irrelevant and not going to supersede guidance from official sources that are far more aware of the risks than some armchair expert. If you think I'm being shirty then fair enough, but your input isn't answering the question I asked , and as such it's irrelevant to me.

Ask your gp then not a load of strangers on the internet. That's the first port of call.

The picture is complex and evolving and you just want simple answers. It's understandable but it's not going to help you.

Ask your gp then not a load of strangers on the internet. That’s the first port of call.

I did ask my gp, they said I wasn't eligible, hence my question on here which was 'has anyone else heard whether they will be eligible?' My question wasn't 'am I at risk' which is what you and tj have offered your opinion on.

Btw..The GP didn't offer an opinion if i was at extra risk or not, they just said the green book says 'no' to vaccine

Btw..The GP didn’t offer an opinion if i was at extra risk or not,

Did you ask them?

I find it very strange that you don't think it's relevant to know that the initial fears about covid and asthma have proved to be largely unfounded, as we were told directly by an asthma specialist and backed up by legitimate sources online. Or that our severely asthmatic daughter is in group 6. But whatever.

I'd just wait for the appointment and concentrate on strategies for dealing with anxiety, like meditation, breathing or even CBT. But I'm sure you're not interested in that either.

as we were told directly by an asthma specialist

Sorry I missed that bit. Has an asthma specialist specifically told you asthma is not a risk?

If so great.

I agree there is limited evidence it's a risk factor, however there are a number of studies out there that says it is. Either way, I'm not a scientist, like most people im not going to try to interpret case studies relating to asthma comorbility. I rely on people like the nhs to do that then articulate the risk to the layman.

My GP said she didn't know the risks, I obviously asked her. My brother, a gp with a PhD in clinical medicine and professor at Bristol uni says there is a risk, but my relative risk is still very small (Ie double my age group - but that still puts me at higher risk than a healthy 50 year-old)

Edit..That's risk for death. There is however plenty of anecdotal evidence of asthma sufferers struggling with breathlessness due to long covid.

I don't think for a second I'm going to die with covid..I am however worried my already dodgy lungs will take a battering from it

this article
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56012530
suggests those with severe asthma will be group 4 and others (it is a bit vague here tbh) MAY be group 6.

@zilog6128

Yep, and it's totally misleading. It's already been edited once (before it said everyone who gets the flu jab is in group 6), but it is still wrong now.

It says

Group six, which the government has now confirmed will include all those who need regular steroids for asthma, will be vaccinated after healthy over-65s but before anyone younger than that without health conditions

This is based on a lack of understanding from the journalist about asthmatic steroid use. The green book is clear, to qualify for group 6 you need to regularly use systemic (oral tablets) steroids. 99% of asthma sufferers dont regularly use that medication. We use steroids daily, but inhaled ones.

Would be useful if a health correspondent actually knew the difference but hey ho. Either way the article just caused further confusion among the asthmatic community, and this has been pointed out to the reporter who wrote it. So id expect a retraction shortly.