Use Caution If You Are Allergic To This Ingredient
If you are allergic to polyethylene glycol or polysorbate, pay attention: “PEG and polysorbate are closely related to each other. PEG is an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines, and polysorbate is an ingredient in the J& J/Janssen vaccine. If you are allergic to PEG, you should not get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Ask your doctor if you can get the J& J/Janssen vaccine.
If you are allergic to polysorbate, you should not get the J& J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Ask your doctor if you can get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.”
Do I Follow The Same Guidance As Everyone Else If I Have Asthma
People with asthma are advised by the government to follow the same public health guidance as everyone else. Follow the latest guidance for where you live in the UK.
You could also follow public health advice on keeping yourself and others as safe as possible by:
- wearing a face mask in certain situations if you can – find out more about wearing a face covering when you have asthma
- washing your hands often using soap and warm water, and use hand sanitiser when out and about
- covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
The NHS also has helpful advice if you’re anxious about getting back to normal after the coronavirus pandemic.
Staying safe when socialising with others
While no situation is risk free, there are some simple steps you can take to stay safe when meeting up with friends and family:
- Meet people outside where possible
- Open doors and windows if you’re meeting people inside
- Avoid crowded, enclosed places
- Avoid meeting others if you have any symptoms of a respiratory illness, including COVID-19.
Staying safe at work
Employers no longer have to consider COVID-19 in their workplace risk assessments. However, health and safety laws are still in place to protect people at work.
If youre concerned about your risk from coronavirus at work, you should speak to your employer. It might also help you feel safer to:
I Have Allergies: Should I Worry About Getting The Vaccine
Seasonal allergies as well as allergies to food, latex, and inhaled triggers do not raise your risk of an allergic reaction to the vaccine, according to the ALA and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology . But if you have a history of severe allergic reactions, have a drug or vaccine allergy, know youre allergic to the chemical polyethylene glycol or to any other ingredient in the vaccines, talk to your doctor.
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If I Feel Ill On The Day Of My Vaccine What Should I Do
If you have a minor illness without fever, you should still go to your vaccine appointment. If you feel very unwell, your vaccine might be postponed until youve recovered.
If you feel unwell with symptoms of coronavirus, do not attend your appointment. You should self-isolate and book a test. You should contact the vaccine centre where you were due to get your vaccine to let them know.
Does Having The Vaccine Stop Me From Giving The Virus To Other People
Data has now shown that being vaccinated prevents you from passing on the virus to others, if you were to catch COVID-19 after having the vaccine. Its thought that having one dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine cuts transmission rates by as much as half.
While this is encouraging news, its important that even after being vaccinated you continue to do what you can to prevent yourself from getting the virus. This includes following the social distancing guidance for where you live, wearing a face covering and continuing to regularly wash your hands.
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Am I More At Risk From Coronavirus If I Have Asthma
Studies suggest that most people with asthma may be at slightly higher risk of serious illness from coronavirus than the general population, particularly if they have non-allergic asthma. But the risk is significantly less than for other conditions, which means that most people with asthma are not at higher risk from coronavirus.
However, anyone whose asthma is poorly controlled is considered at higher risk of severe disease or being admitted to hospital with coronavirus.
Poorly controlled asthma
The British Thoracic Society defines poorly controlled asthma as:
Other factors that could increase your risk
Research has identified other factors that may increase your risk of serious illness from coronavirus including:
- older age
- other underlying medical conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
You may have more than one of these factors, which can increase your risk further.
What Support Can I Get
Wherever you are in the UK, there is support available if you need to stay at home.
In all four nations, you can get in touch with your local COVID Mutual Aid group. Theyll put you in touch with people who live locally wholl be able to help you.
In England, you may be able to get support from the NHS volunteer responders. They can do things like helping you with shopping, getting prescriptions, or just checking in to see how you are doing. To arrange support for yourself or someone you know call 0808 196 3646 .
You might be entitled to welfare benefits if you are unable to work because of coronavirus. Find out what you might be entitled to, or get in touch with Citizens Advice.
You can get advice and support about looking after your asthma by calling our Helpline, 0300 222 5800 . Or you can WhatsApp them on 07378 606 728.
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Is The Fourth Dose Considered A Booster For The Immunocompromised
Yes. Originally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control provided guidance stating that immunocompromised individuals could receive a booster shot six months after their original three-dose series. Now, in an effort to curb the surge of infections from the highly infectious Omicron virus, the CDC has shortened that timeline to five months.
That means if you received a third mRNA vaccine dose when it was first authorized for immunocompromised individuals in August 2021, it will have been five months this January 2022.
There is no current American College of Rheumatology guidance on , but it is a fast-moving issue, says Jeffrey Sparks, MD, MMSc, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a rheumatologist at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. I suspect they will offer similar guidance like the CDC soon.
Keep in mind that a third dose of an mRNA shot for those with moderately or severely compromised immune systems is considered part of their original series. Immunocompromised individuals may need this additional shot as part of their primary series to mount a better immune response. A fourth shot or booster shot, on the other hand, is meant to enhance protection after it has started to wane over time, per the CDC.
Managing Your Asthma During The Pandemic
- Keep taking your controller medication daily or as prescribed. This will help cut your risk of an asthma attack being triggered by any respiratory virus, including COVID-19.
- Carry your reliever inhaler with you every day, in case your asthma symptoms flare up.
- Monitor your asthma symptoms closely and follow your Asthma Action Plan to help you recognize and manage asthma symptoms, and know when to seek advice from your healthcare provider or emergency help.
- If you must travel, pack all asthma medications in your carry-on luggage so it is easily accessible. Pack extra asthma medication in case your travel plans change or are delayed. Be sure to check travel advice and advisories from the Government of Canadas website.
- Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and fluids, and eat good nutritious food.
- Ensure that you speak with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations. Getting COVID-19 vaccinations and both the influenza vaccination and pneumococcal disease vaccinationare important steps people with asthma can take to help stay healthy.
- Reach out to Asthma Canadas Asthma & Allergy HelpLinecall-back service to connect with a Certified Respiratory Educator if you have questions about managing your asthma. Call 1-866-787-4050 or email
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Vaccination And The Risk Of Atopy And Asthma
Head, Division of Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyEmek Medical CenterAfu and Rappaport Faculty of MedicineTechnion-Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifa, Israel
Reviewed by: Gailen D. Marshall, Jr., MD, PhD, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Vaccines are of major importance in controlling the spread of infectious diseases, but the use of some vaccines was linked to allergic and autoimmune phenomena in healthy and often in certain high-risk populations. Immediate systemic allergic reactions after vaccination with commonly used vaccines are extremely rare to a degree where it can be argued that there is any association at all between the vaccines and the allergic reactions that were reported .
It has been feared that vaccinations in infancy and childhood can increase the risk for development of asthma and allergic diseases. The concern has been particularly raised in regard to some of the currently available non-replicating infant vaccines that may not mimic a natural infection-mediated immune response that may protect against the development of allergic diseases and asthma. However, there has been no epidemiologic evidence that infant vaccinations with diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus , measles, mumps, rubella and bacillus Calmate-Guerin vaccines in infancy are associated with the development of allergic diseases .
Influenza vaccine
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis vaccine
Key Issues
Is One Vaccine Better Than The Other Will I Have A Choice In The Vaccine I Get
All approved vaccines are very effective and will save lives. They will have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set by the MHRA . You will not be able to choose which vaccine you have, but you can be assured the vaccine you get will be highly effective and will protect you from coronavirus.
While the MHRA is not recommending age restrictions in the AZ vaccine use, JCVI has said that people under the age of 40 who are having their first dose should be offered another vaccine instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine, if its available to them.
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I Feel Ill After Having My Vaccine What Should I Do
Experiencing mild side effects after having the coronavirus vaccine is common and isnt anything to worry about. They can happen up to a week after having the vaccine but are more common in the first couple of days. These symptoms can be treated with paracetamol if you need to.
If your symptoms get worse, or you are worried, call NHS 111 or your GP for advice. You can also report suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online by searching Coronavirus Yellow Card or by downloading the Yellow Card app.
A mild fever can occur within a day or two of vaccination. But if you have any other COVID-19 symptoms or your fever lasts longer, you should take appropriate steps by staying at home and arranging a test. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
The coronavirus vaccine cannot give you COVID-19. But it is possible to catch the virus and not realise you had symptoms until after your vaccine appointment.
Can I Do The Usual Breathing Tests For My Asthma
Spirometry
You may not be offered a spirometry test if you have an in-person appointment. This is because spirometry has either been paused or reduced to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection.
Spirometry is still available in some places if there is a risk assessment and the risk is considered low.
Peak flow
Peak flow is a helpful way to keep an eye on your asthma. You can continue to test your peak flow if you have your own peak flow meter. You can do this routinely at home, adding your scores to a peak flow diary chart. If you have an in-person appointment you should take your own peak flow meter with you.
If you have a video/online asthma review, your GP or asthma nurse may ask you to check your peak flow using your own peak flow meter.
If you dont have a peak flow meter and you need one, ask your GP to prescribe one.
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Some Asthmatics Were Instructed To Book An Appointment Amid The Confusion
Needless confusion over prioritising for the Covid-19 vaccine has meant several asthmatics not eligible for the jab have been booked in for an appointment despite a change in guidance.
On Monday, Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi announced that asthmatics using an inhaler would be next in line for the jab, prompting several GPs to extend invites to anyone with the condition.
But the Government clarified on Tuesday evening that asthmatics who have had an emergency hospital admission because of their condition, or those who have been prescribed three courses of steroid tablets in a three-month period, will fall into priority group six. For the asthmatics who do not fall into either of these groups and are under the age of 50, they will be vaccinated after the first nine priority groups.
Some asthmatics have now received the jab, others will have to wait until the last phase of the roll-out. People with non-severe asthma are considered by the NHS to be at increased risk from Covid but not at risk of dying from the virus.
Why Vaccines Are Important For You
- Adults with COPD or asthma are more likely to get complications from the flu.
- COPD and asthma cause your airways to swell and become blocked with mucus, which can make it hard to breathe. Certain vaccine-preventable diseases can also increase swelling of your airways and lungs. The combination of the two can lead to pneumonia and other serious respiratory illnesses.
- Vaccines are one of the safest ways for you to protect your health, even if you are taking prescription medications. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe side effects are very rare.
- Immunization provides the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Answer a few questions to find out which vaccines you may need. Take your customized printout to your next medical appointment.
There may be other vaccines recommended for you based on your lifestyle, travel habits, and other factors. Talk to your healthcare professional about which vaccines are right for you.
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Covid: Some Asthma Patients Being Told To Wait Longer For Vaccine
People with asthma who are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine are being refused it by some GPs who are not following government guidance, the BBC has found.
An NHS England letter sent to GPs in mid-February says people who have “ever had an emergency asthma admission” to hospital fall into priority group six, which is currently being vaccinated.
But some patients are being told a hospital admission within the past 12 months is required.
GPs say they look at various factors.
These include age and ethnicity, as well as some degree of clinical judgement, the Royal College of GPs said.
Who Is Eligible For A Fourth Booster Dose
The CDC considers the following groups of people moderately to severely immunocompromised and eligible for a fourth dose:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
The ideal COVID-19 vaccine plan for these individuals is as follows:
- Get a primary vaccine series: 2 doses of Pfizer or Moderna, followed by a 3rd dose 28 days later
- Get a 4th booster dose 5 months after the 3rd dose
For those who originally received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine:
- Get a booster of Pfizer or Moderna 2 months after 1st dose
- No additional boosters are recommended at this time
However, some people are trying to get the fourth dose even if theyre not eligible. Many people with compromised immune systems have sidestepped government guidance and received unauthorized fourth or fifth shots by either not disclosing previous or convincing pharmacists that they need an additional dose because of their lack of antibodies, per the New York Times.
When you do go to get your fourth dose, be prepared with your vaccine card and a list of medications to show that youre eligible.
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Im Worried About Side Effects From The Flu Vaccine
Its natural to worry about side effects. Here are some common fears people with asthma have:
1. Im worried the vaccine will give me the flu
Getting the flu vaccine cant give you the flu. This is because the vaccine does not contain any live viruses. The nasal spray flu vaccine that is usually given to children contains small amounts of weakened flu viruses. They do not cause flu in children.
2. Im worried about feeling under the weather
Flu vaccines are very safe. After getting your vaccine you might find you have:
- a slightly raised temperature
- achy muscles
- a sore arm where the needle went in this is more likely to happen for people aged 65 and over.
Most side effects from the flu vaccine are mild and should only last for a day or so.
If you find youre in a bit of pain after getting your flu vaccine, try to move your arm regularly. You might also find it useful to take a painkiller, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. However, some people, including those who are pregnant, should not take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it.
3. Im worried about getting an allergic reaction
It’s very rare to have a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccination. If this does happen, it usually happens within a few minutes of having it done. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions.