Asthma and group 6

[Genzymoo]

So, long story as short as I can;

I have mild to moderate asthma. Until a few weeks ago, we (asthmatics) were all due to receive the vaccine in groups 4 or 6. Govt then changed to group 6 only being if you have had a certain number of oral steroids in 3 months, or hospital admission due to exacerbation of asthma.

I am in my 30s. Over my lifetime I have had ICU admission for 5 days when I was 2 due to asthma, 4 days in hospital in the early 00s due to chest infection causing exacerbation of asthma, two presentations to A and E for asthma attacks and 2019 admission for chest infection causing exacerbation to asthma.

I contacted my surgery two weeks or so ago. They said that they were not vaccinating priority group 6 yet, but I was not showing up as eligible. I questioned this. They said they would review, and came back saying not eligible as the 2019 admission was for a chest infection; not asthma. I questioned again. They obtained my paper records and have said they cannot find records of the other hospital attendances - at this point I have no idea why, and that raises more than a couple of questions!

Over the last two weeks I have asked to speak to a GP and been told they will not discuss the Covid vaccine. I am unable to speak to the person in admin who has been reviewing my records; the best I get is that the receptionist I speak to adds a note to my records.

I know this sounds pathetic, and that I should just be happy that i will hopefully be vaccinated in May. Am I being ridiculous? And if not, what do I do now?

I actually saw a study today suggesting asthma puts you at no greater risk.

It's weird, and the system seems very inconsistent. I've heard the other way round too. People being shocked to get the vaccine call, certain they were in group 10 or beyond. Only to discover they're in group 6 for some reason or other they can't quite make out! Maybe a mistake on their medical records or something?! It's all very odd... I hope it works out for you soon OP

Update

It’s taken a lot of emails (some very long ones)! and telephone calls, but a doctor has today reviewed and moved to PG6.

I’m so relieved, but at the same time still so worried for others that are wrongly being told they are not within the group, and for asthmatics who are not within the narrow criteria of PG6 - I’d definitely encourage others who fit within the criteria of table 3, chapter 14a of the Green Book to pursue, and challenge if needed!

Ah, great news OP. Really happy for you

I had my vaccine today under group 6, I haven’t been hospitalised or had more than 1 lot of oral steroids in any one year.

I mentioned how pleased I was to get called at the (gp hub) vaccination site and the doctor doing my jab said he thought they had changed the criteria since “the asthma people” had made such a fuss.

Whether he meant individual GPs or nationally I don’t know but great if it’s true

My brother's GP said she can't see where he was admitted to hospital with asthma, as a kid, so he can't get the vaccine yet.

My mum says he was definitely in hospital with his asthma but of course she can't prove it. It was over 30 years ago. Anyone got any ideas if anything can be done?

"The asthma people" 🤣. I was just wondering why I was moved up two groups and I wonder if it also due to taking oral steroids a couple of times a year, not for the asthma though. As it happens they are now beginning to invite my age group now anyway so they are moving through the groups pretty fast.

@Druidlookingidiot I was automatically put into group 6 by the NHS as my SNOMED code on my hospital records was for emergency hospital admission.

You may find your brother is already included on the NHS system and will be called soon.

@Genzymoo good news!

@WombatChocolate

Group 6 can now book on the online national booking system.

If you’re unsure if you’ve been included in Group 6, going on and trying should show you....it will let you through if eligible.

This is a good idea. Put your NHS number into the form it gives you and you'll know instantly if you've been included in group 6.

I'm getting my jab tomorrow, I have asthma, it was very bad as a child but has been well controlled for decades using a clenil inhaler. I got a text on Monday asking me to book and I queried with the receptionist if I had been contacted in error as I wasn't expecting to be vaccinated for a while, but she said that they had split asthma into two categories - severe, as in hospital admissions and lots of oral steroids, and then everyone else with asthma classed as moderate risk and being invited for vaccines. I don't know if this is a national thing or just what my GP surgery has decided.

www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-56281064

More reports of eligible asthmatics not being included in group 6 as their GPs have decided that a hospital admission must be 'recent' despite the guidance saying someone who has 'ever' had an admission is in group 6.

[quote purplebagladylovesgin]@Druidlookingidiot I was automatically put into group 6 by the NHS as my SNOMED code on my hospital records was for emergency hospital admission.

You may find your brother is already included on the NHS system and will be called soon. [/quote]
He's tried that. It just asks if he's a frontline health worker and then says he's not eligible for the jab.

@CoffeeRunner

GPs are NOT controlling the grouping.

I don’t know why people still think they are.

The list of who is in what group comes from the JCVI.

Of course if the GP has incorrectly coded something that can make a difference. But this idea that your GP is sitting there making the decision for each patient is just not true.

Actually the green book states that the list for group 6 is not exhaustive and that prescribers should apply clinical judgement as to whether the patient has an underlying condition that presents a moderate risk of Covid exacerbating that condition.

I honestly don't understand why it's so difficult for medial staff to read the actual guidelines and follow them.

Mine still doesnt work online.
I tried calling 119 but they could only try the same and cant see my records (apparently).