Coronavirus Vaccine Time

In recent weeks there have been various people querying if the various coronavirus vaccines are safe for people with HSP. There is no evidence to say that they are not safe. I advise anyone to discuss any concerns with their GP before having their vaccination. The overwhelming body of evidence shows the available vaccines are safe and effective, with remarkably few side effects other than a mild local reaction (arm soreness at injection site) and mild general symptoms (e.g. slight fever or tiredness) in about 10-20% of cases. These typically only last a day or so. So the risks from catching coronavirus are far greater than any risks from vaccination.

The UK has divided its population up into groups so that they can prioritise the people who have the highest risk of serious illness or mortality. The first group (Group 1) included those living and working in care homes. Much of the evidence was that people with some underlying health conditions put them in this higher risk category. Those with HSP fall into one of two groups.

People who have complex HSP which includes cognitive problems (this might also be called intellectual disability or learning difficulties) are more likely to be considered extremely vulnerable. Depending on exact circumstances these people are likely to be in one of the higher groups (group 4) for Covid-19 vaccination, particularly if those cognitive impairments are advanced or neurological problems are complex. Groups 2 and 3 captured people aged 75 and above. Group 4 also includes people aged 70-75

Those people who have more advanced HSP without cognitive problems will meet the criteria for underlying health conditions (group 6). Group 6 also includes people who care for those who are elderly or disabled, including people with HSP. Group 5 is people aged 65-70, and groups 7 and above capture the population aged below 65.

Those people who have mild HSP probably have a similar risk profile to people of the same age, but could still be classified under group 6 as they have a neurological condition, which is on the list of underlying health conditions.

In terms of timelines, those in Group 4 were invited to have their vaccination late January - early February. Those in group 6 are being invited at the moment (early March), and the advice in the last day or two has been that anyone with an underlying health condition who has not been invited to have their first vaccine, and this can be done on-line or by calling 119.

22 Charities have written an open letter to encourage people to get the vaccine, and further details and a copy of that letter can be seen here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/health-charities-back-vaccines-drive-for-those-at-risk

For me, I was notified that I was eligible to have the vaccine by my doctor, and I had my first jab yesterday evening. I had the Astra-Zeneca one. In terms of side effects, my arm feels a little sore, but otherwise there are no side effects for me.

If there is anyone reading this in the UK with HSP and has not been invited to have their vaccination yet, then I encourage you to go and get your vaccination.

For any readers outside the UK, I suggest that you investigate opportunities for vaccinations in your countries, especially if your HSP is more advanced.