8th December 2020
Many of you have been asking about whether or not you should have a vaccination against Covid-19 when the time comes that you are offered them. In brief the answer is Yes, unless you have had a serious reaction to vaccinations in the past or there are other reasons for you not to have the vaccination, it would be wise to have this one. It is unlikely to trigger an HAE attack but contracting Covid-19 could make you more susceptible to having attacks, as with any infection.
The question has also been raised about whether or not people with HAE will be considered a priority for the vaccination. Again, unless you have other factors that makes you considered vulnerable, HAE on its own is unlikely to be considered a priority reason for having the vaccination ahead of others, although some persons who have been shielding may be offered it sooner than others. If you are offered the vaccine we would recommend getting it. And remember if you have concerns, ask your Immunology team for advice.
Joint statement from HAE UK, UKPIN, HAE Clinical Network and the NHSE Immunology CRG Chair
24th March 2020
Some patients with HAE have received a communication from the NHS stating that they are at risk of severe illness if they catch COVID-19. This would not be related to their HAE itself but to any additional risk factors such as age, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, asthma etc. Patients with HAE are not thought to have any increased risk of harm from COVID-19 compared to the general population. HAE patients should take the same precautions as recommended by the government for the general public https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
If you need further information, please contact: laura.szutowicz@haeuk.org
Be prepared
As HAE patients, we should be prepared, just in case. Ensure you have a good supply of all your regular medications, as well as copies of your HAE letters, your A&E card (if you have one) and the name and contact details of your HAE consultant and specialist nurse. If you do have to be admitted to hospital, it is important to take all of these with you so the team treating you have all your information easily to hand.
Remember we, HAE UK, are here to support you. You can e-mail us any time: support@haeuk.org or call us on: 07975 611787.
Information from the Government
Advice for everyone: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Read the latest information from the Government: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
If you need medical advice about your coronavirus symptoms
• England: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/
• Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
• Wales: https://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/SelfAssessments/symptomcheckers/COVID19.aspx
• Northern Ireland: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
COVID-19 and your emotional wellbeing
By PID UK – Supporting families affected by primary immunodeficiencies. Part of Genetic Disorders UK, and
HAE UK
PID UK and HAE UK Emotional Wellbeing and Covid-19
Version 1, dated 31stMarch 2020
Public Health England – Guidance on protecting people most likely to get very poorly from coronavirus (shielding)
Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Guidance on protecting people most likely to get very poorly from coronavirus
Anxiety UK – Coronanxiety support and resources
Anxiety UK have a dedicated page offering a range of information, resources and support for helping you understand how to deal with your anxiety during these difficult times while Coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting on our lives.
With thanks to Dr Kate Edgar for sharing the following:
Guide to living with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty
Guide to living with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty
Face Covid – How to respond effectively to the Corona crisis.
By Dr Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap
Face Covid – How to respond effectively to the Corona crisis