See the Full Articles and Medical Disclaimers from the MEA and Dr Charles Shepherd.
The ME Association: Covid Autumn Booster Vaccine Information (2023)
September 6, 2023
Even though Covid-19 hasn't gone away, many people have been slowly returning to normal or near normal life. At the moment the level of infection remains fairly low. However, there are signs that we could be heading for another more significant wave of infection over the coming months. There are also new variants of the virus appearing that are causing concern.
The MEA article includes information on the following topics.
Vaccine eligibility - ( the DHSC list of people who are automatically eligible):.
ME/CFS eligibility - (This includes - “We have produced a Template letter that you can use when speaking with a GP if you aren’t called for a Booster vaccine automatically and decide to try and get one”).
Should I have a Covid Booster?
Feedback
Plus, message from Dr Charles Shepherd, Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser, The ME Association -
On a personal basis I have had 4 Covid vaccinations without any problems. I had the Pfizer Autumn Booster last year which was followed by a fairly severe adverse reaction - a red swollen leg that was probably the result of a vasculitis.
“Having had 4 vaccinations without any problem I am probably going to go ahead and have an autumn booster but not with the Pfizer vaccine. However, other Trustees and staff members with ME/CFS have had different experiences with the Covid vaccines and Boosters and may not make the same decision as me.
“It became quickly apparent from the large number of reported experiences that we received last year, and which we continue to receive, that people’s reactions or non-reactions are very mixed, and that no clear determination or recommendation can be made in regard to ME/CFS. Therefore, it is very much a personal decision.”
Dr Charles Shepherd.
The ME Association: Flu Vaccination Information (2023-24)
September 6, 2023
Each year, seasonal Flu affects hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. In most cases the virus causes mild illness that doesn’t require medical attention or hospitalisation. For certain people in high-risk groups, however, catching the Flu can lead to life-threatening complications.
The MEA article includes information on the following topics.
- Introduction.
- Catching the Flu.
- Protecting against the Flu.
- Cautionary Notes.
- Who can have the Free NHS Flu vaccine?
- Can I have the Free NHS Flu vaccine if I have ME/CFS? (this includes - “we have produced a Template letter that you can use when speaking with a GP if you have ME/CFS and decide to try and get a Free Flu vaccine on the NHS”).
- Possible vaccine side-effects.
- When to get the Flu vaccine.
- Where to get the Flu vaccine.
- Can I have the Free NHS Flu vaccine and Autumn Covid Booster together?
- Pneumonia and Shingles vaccinations.
- Feedback.
• Coronavirus (COVID 19) • M.E. Association • N.H.S.