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Original poster

NHS email about Immunosuppressed and new drug

112 replies

CatAlice · 20/12/2021 18:09

Sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody.
I've just had an email from the NHS telling me I would be eligable for one of the new drugs. I believ it has to be taken within 5 days of infection.
Apparently they are sending me a PCR test to have at home ready.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-59721240

OP posts:
Thecazelets · 20/12/2021 20:42

First I've heard of this, and I would also be eligible. Will keep an eye out for an email.

purplegirl13 · 20/12/2021 21:16

Thanks for flagging this, I just checked my junk email folder and it was there! So it might be a good idea to check your junk folder if you expect you might be receiving this email.

Original poster
CatAlice · 20/12/2021 21:22

I got shielding letters by email. Ive had 3 primary doses. I wonder if this is targeted at people who were immunosuppressed at the time of their 1st vaccine meaning it was less likelyto work?

OP posts:
OhYouBadBadKitten · 20/12/2021 21:46

I fall into that category and have not received anything.

FizzyOrange · 20/12/2021 21:50

I also fall into this category and have had nothing yet.

Sparklingbrook · 20/12/2021 21:52

Makes me wonder how many people will be receiving PCR tests in the post (to keep at home just in case) and yet never got an email and wonder what it's all about.

Original poster
CatAlice · 20/12/2021 21:57

I imagine there'll be a letter as well sparkling?
A postal PCR is hardly the quickest way to test. I booked a test for DH last week. Went online at 1230, test booked for 1300, results (neg) back 14 hours later. A postal PCR would still be en route.
I'm going to have to book one tomorrow. Don't think I have covid but have caught DHs cold and now have a bad cough.

OP posts:
BusMum79 · 20/12/2021 22:01

Yes I got the email too- am on immunosuppressants and have had 3 primary doses so awaiting a 4th jab in January. Agree that sending a postal PCR is hardly the fastest way to get a result if speed is of the essence!

Sparklingbrook · 20/12/2021 22:03

Yes, there should be a letter I guess, although terrible timing for the Royal Mail if they're sending those out this week.
I did a PCR earlier in the year at a drive in centre and the results were back in 12 hours. I am wondering if a lot of CEV people would be happier doing the PCR at home and waiting as long as it takes when they have symptoms.

Aurorie11 · 20/12/2021 22:05

My Dad had one earlier. Helpful to know but if he had symptoms would get him to go to a drive through test

GettingTooOldForThis · 20/12/2021 22:08

I had one today too. Not had three primary doses but been in and out of shielding.

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 20/12/2021 23:45

Nice to have a home pcr in case we get ill quickly but I agree a visit to a test site would be quicker. I know a section of the group will find it much easier to do a postal test.

Teenylittlefella · 20/12/2021 23:49

My dd has Crohn's and on immunosuppressants (aza and mesalazine) but haven't had email here - might it be because she's too young to have been vacced yet? Or because it's a recent diagnosis?

NMC2022 · 21/12/2021 00:23

I think the emails will trickle out, they have a fair few to send! I haven't had anything hit I generally don't, it's always a text or letter

Senso21 · 21/12/2021 02:01

Me! I got this x

BusMum79 · 21/12/2021 03:39

@Teenylittlefella I think it could be a combination of those factors- it really depends on her dosage etc etc. I have ulcerative colitis and am on azathioprine. I’m actually on a lower dose than previously at the moment so wasn’t sure if I needed to be on the list at the start of shielding, but as I’ve been on immunosuppressants for nearly 30 years and get a lot of infections & have asthma too the powers that be decided I should be, on balance. I actually had Covid right at the start & rang my bowel clinic in a panic & they were amazing with advice. Definitely worth checking ib with them if you can speak to someone- hard I know, as everywhere is so stretched and I’ve not had an appt for 8 months. We have an IBD helpline at my hospital and they have been brilliant. The charity Crohn’s & Colitis UK also has wonderful advice. Good luck.

yorkshireteaspoonie · 21/12/2021 04:10

I received this today and found it quite reassuring. I've had three doses and am choosing to pretty much shield as I'm also 23 weeks pregnant, I did read the treatment pages but only mentioned 'may not be suitable if planning on pregnancy or breastfeeding' not if actively pregnant.

I'm not sure if they would actually give me these treatments if I were to catch covid 🤷🏽‍♀️

Toddlerteaplease · 21/12/2021 04:53

I had it too. I've got MS. Already had covid last year. And I've had worse colds. So not sure it would be cost effective in my case!

Senso21 · 21/12/2021 07:26

How’s this email made everyone feel?
I take aza for Crohns Colitis, part of me feels relieved to have received this email as hopefully on top of the vaccines this would cut any chance of severe illness. Other part of me feels a bit spooked by at risk they must class me to send me this - made me feel very vulnerable like when the shielding emails used to get sent round in the early days Sad

Copasetic · 21/12/2021 07:37

I got it too. I was identified to have the first jab early (I think group 4) along with 70+ and have an auto immune for which it take a very low dose of steroids. I wasn't offered a 3rd dose though - just the booster - which was again offered early. I've also been getting the shielding letters throughout so assume it's linked with that.

Copasetic · 21/12/2021 07:38

I've never thought I was vulnerable to be honest. The condition I have is 100% controlled by 5mg of prednisone so I've never really understood it and think I've been picked up because I take steroids without anyone actually looking at my case specifically.

KickBishopBrennanUpTheArse · 21/12/2021 07:47

I got it too. I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma when I was 13. I’m now 47 and have been all clear for 34 years. No other health issues.

I assume it’s a case of computer says yes.

I was sent a text to invite me for a third dose in September. My first two were very early on due to my job. I went and had it thinking it was my booster. When I realised and asked at our vaccination centre they said 4th dose was for those on active treatment only which is fair enough seeing as it’s been over 3 decades!

Not sure if I will really be eligible for this new drug but I hope I don’t have to find out.

nether · 21/12/2021 07:48

Not received by the critically vulnerable person in the household -we'll see if anything turns up in the post. I can see why it might be handy to have a PCR test in the house, then you can just do it and get it sent off.

We have a 24/7 line to the hospital unit which we are under instructions to call if we ever have signs of infection (pre-dated covid) so wouid use that. There was a piece on the local news saying that the hospital has the new retroviral available to be couriered to the most vulnerable, so perhaps we'd get those

Original poster
CatAlice · 21/12/2021 11:29

How’s this email made everyone feel?
Reassured.

I had covid in August, pretty badly. If you are CEV they invite you to be monitored by the covid Oximetry @home system but I didn't get their involvement until 4 days after positive test. My GP was absolutely useless. I should have been told to take much higher doses of prednisolone from day one but no-one told me until I was in hospital.
After discharge from hospital I was on a "virtual ward" for two weeks with daily contact with a specialist nurse.
It's a good system
www.england.nhs.uk/nhs-at-home/covid-virtual-wards/

TBH I don't believe I could be so ill again , I had antibodies checked after infection and they were above the measurable limit.

I am wondering if a lot of CEV people would be happier doing the PCR at home and waiting as long as it takes when they have symptoms.
I have had a few PCRs, including one today. As long as you go to a drive through it feels very, very safe.

OP posts:
PastMyBestBeforeDate · 21/12/2021 11:38

Yes I'm slightly reassured by it too.