Asthmatics are being left out of vaccinations. Should I tell my Dr about my BMI?

[Itsjusttheprice]

I’m 35 and asthmatic.

I take a daily steroid inhaler.

I’m not a severe asthmatic and I didn’t have to shield.

My understanding was that I would come under group 6 for the vaccine (16-64 with underlying health condition)

The asthma UK website states this is their understanding but they are seeking clarity.

I’ve read a lot on of people on an asthma support group I am part of that say their doctors have informed them they don’t come under group 6 unless they are severe asthma and they will be vaccinated by age.

I’m really surprised by this as I qualify for the flu jab each year because of my asthma.

I haven’t spoken to my Gp about my asthma and the vaccine, but wondering if I should inform them that I have a high BMI (40.6)
I was last weighed when pregnant (2019) and my BMI was 38.

I know that high BMI would put me in group 6.

Well yes of course you should. Why wouldn’t you?

I would wait and see what asthma U.K. / the official advice is first. The last I read was asthma was group 6, but I would certainly wait for the official word.
If it is confirmed no jab for asthmatics then go ahead and ring them, but I know they don’t want lots of people calling right now.

@Scarydinosaurs

Well yes of course you should. Why wouldn’t you?

@Scarydinosaurs

Well I don’t want to appear as if I’m trying to push my way up the list to get vaccinated.

I’ve been trying to lose the weight and making healthy changes.

But I’m due back to work in 8 weeks from mat leave and if my high BMI could get me a vaccine because it makes me vulnerable, then I should tell them? Right?

I told mine....

But you qualify with your BMI so it isn’t pushing at all. I think it’s just sensible.

Push yourself up the list. The list is risk based. You are at risk. It's absolutely the right thing to do.

Group 6 should include everyone coded as at Moderate risk I think as per this page: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/whos-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus/

So should include all asthmatics? But no reason not to highlight the other issues too.

GPs should have been coding up their lists for this but list coding is time consuming and not always a priority so I definitely think it's worth flagging.

It’s definitely worth letting your GP surgery know your BMI anyway. There are lots of people who qualify for the free flu jab who aren’t being vaccinated early so I would work on the assumption it will be your weight that will get you vaccinated quicker than your asthma will.

Yes tell them

I'm going to tell my GP, I haven't been weighed by the doctors for years and whilst I'm only just in the category with my BMI I work in childcare and would just like to feel protected

Youre in group 6 after the over 65s. They won't change this but definitely inform your GP you have gone into the morbidly obese group now. They may not be aware, and you are at risk from covid so it's important you are vaccinated. They may need to check for type 2 diabetes which is also a risk factor.

@morninglive

Youre in group 6 after the over 65s. They won't change this but definitely inform your GP you have gone into the morbidly obese group now. They may not be aware, and you are at risk from covid so it's important you are vaccinated. They may need to check for type 2 diabetes which is also a risk factor.

@morninglive

Do you think I will have to go into the surgery to b weighed? That makes me nervous 😬

@morninglive

Youre in group 6 after the over 65s. They won't change this but definitely inform your GP you have gone into the morbidly obese group now. They may not be aware, and you are at risk from covid so it's important you are vaccinated. They may need to check for type 2 diabetes which is also a risk factor.

@morninglive

But I think it’s only my BMI that puts me into group 6, not my asthma.
They don’t know about my BMI.

Yea you might have to go in to get your medical records officially changed.

I am still recorded by my GP as morbidly obese, they won’t change this until they weigh me in person, but they refuse to have me in to get me weighed. So despite having lost tonnes of weight, I will still be officially recorded as morbidly obese for the time being.

So I might get a vaccine based on my out of date BMI 🤷🏼‍♀️

@Nacreous

Push yourself up the list. The list is risk based. You are at risk. It's absolutely the right thing to do.

Group 6 should include everyone coded as at Moderate risk I think as per this page: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/whos-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus/

So should include all asthmatics? But no reason not to highlight the other issues too.

GPs should have been coding up their lists for this but list coding is time consuming and not always a priority so I definitely think it's worth flagging.

Current JCVI guidelines seem to contradict this, placing those with “severe asthma” in both groups 4 and 6.

Your Gp will need to call you in because there are additional risks with being morbid obese.

Don't worry though they will help you, do a weigh in and recommend blood tests at your local hospital to check diabetes etc.

You do need to be added to the vaccination list but this can all be done on your visit.

@Bluebelle41 I think they realised their error recently and it’s been changed so those with severe asthma are in group 4, and those with moderate are in group 6. It was exactly as you said before - made no sense! I understand it’s been fixed.

[quote Lurkingforawhile]@Bluebelle41 I think they realised their error recently and it’s been changed so those with severe asthma are in group 4, and those with moderate are in group 6. It was exactly as you said before - made no sense! I understand it’s been fixed.[/quote]
@Lurkingforawhile

Oh has it?

Perhaps I will call the surgery Monday and have a chat. Either way I will inform them of my BMI.

Email the practice reception team

I thought they’d changed it to severe asthma group 4 and moderate asthma group 6.

Asthma UK mentioned it on Twitter recently and said;
Dec 22, 2020
Most other people with asthma aged 16 to 64 will be offered the vaccine in the sixth group. We understand that you would be invited in this group if you have been prescribed a steroid inhaler – this is the same way people are identified for a free flu vaccine each year.

[quote Lurkingforawhile]@Bluebelle41 I think they realised their error recently and it’s been changed so those with severe asthma are in group 4, and those with moderate are in group 6. It was exactly as you said before - made no sense! I understand it’s been fixed.[/quote]
I would love to be corrected on this. Do you have any links to the updated guidance? I think there are many people out there who would feel relieved.

@Incrediblytired

I thought they’d changed it to severe asthma group 4 and moderate asthma group 6.

@Incrediblytired

I’m not sure?

Would my steroid inhaler class me as moderate?

@Lemons1571

Yea you might have to go in to get your medical records officially changed.

I am still recorded by my GP as morbidly obese, they won’t change this until they weigh me in person, but they refuse to have me in to get me weighed. So despite having lost tonnes of weight, I will still be officially recorded as morbidly obese for the time being.

So I might get a vaccine based on my out of date BMI 🤷🏼‍♀️

You’re probably right Lemons.... catch 22 situation.... but if you get offered vaccine then grab it with both hands😀

Do you have an asthma review every year with asthma specialist nurse at go practice OP.....this is how they are categorising group 6 at my gps

@Lurkingforawhile

Asthma UK mentioned it on Twitter recently and said; Dec 22, 2020 Most other people with asthma aged 16 to 64 will be offered the vaccine in the sixth group. We understand that you would be invited in this group if you have been prescribed a steroid inhaler – this is the same way people are identified for a free flu vaccine each year.

Ah crossposted. There are several people in that Twitter thread who say that their GP or health authority has told the, they will not be included. They've replied to someone on 4 Feb saying:

We're aware of some confusion around who with asthma will be offered the vaccine in priority group six. We are actively working with the Deputy Chief Medical Officer’s office to resolve this confusion, and we hope to be able to share clear guidance next week.