Are you considered ‘clinically at risk’ from covid?

Not everyone who is considered ‘clinically at risk’ from covid is aware of the fact, which is why the NHS in Lincolnshire is particularly keen to see, amongst other at risk groups, those people who have had – or are going through – stem cell transplant, those with a severe mental illness (SMI), and anyone with a BMI of 40 or over, for their covid autumn booster.

Starting with people who have had or are undergoing stem cell transplant, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends that patients who received their covid-19 vaccination before their transplant or CAR-T therapy should be revaccinated.

“The timing of re-vaccination should be in line with the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy’s recommendations, which is 2-6 months after transplant or 3-6 months after CAR-T for patients aged 18 and over, or 3-6 months after both transplant or CAR-T for patients aged 12-15,” explains Karen Hewinson, Head of Clinical Services, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.

The covid-19 vaccine is more likely to be effective if you have a functioning immune system, this is why people who have just had their stem cell transplant may need to wait a few months before they can be vaccinated.

“Please note, if you are a stem cell patient, an appointment for revaccination cannot be made online through the National Booking Service, because a specific prescription – known as a PSD – needs to be completed by a prescriber.  However, you can arrange an appointment by emailing us on licb.c.19vaccinationcell@nhs.net,” adds Karen.

The Anthony Nolan website provides further information for patients and their families on stem cell transplant and the covid-19 vaccine.

If you are living with severe mental illness (SMI), including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or any mental illness that can cause severe functional impairment, you might be more vulnerable to covid than people who are not and should come forwards for a covid autumn booster.

“You might have either received a letter or text from your GP or possibly direct from the National Booking Service inviting you to make an appointment for your covid vaccination and this can be done safely online through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.  When you book your vaccination, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments you need to help you feel at ease.

“This could include, for example, a longer appointment, an appointment later in the day, somewhere quiet to sit while you wait, support or additional reassurance if you are afraid of needles or asking if someone can come with you to your appointment,” explains Julie Humphreys, Head of Clinical Services, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.

The Rethink website has more information on the covid-19 vaccine and people living with severe mental illness.

The NHS in Lincolnshire is also very keen to see anyone with a BMI equal to or greater than 40, for their covid autumn booster.

“If you’re classed as ‘severely obese’, which is having a BMI of 40 or above, you are classed as being at increased risk from covid-19 and therefore eligible for a covid autumn booster.  Again, you may have had a text or letter inviting you to make an appointment, if you haven’t then please come and see us,” adds Julie.

The government-published Green Book includes information on the conditions (and criteria) considered to be clinical risk groups (Table 3, page 19).

In addition to anyone eligible aged 50 and over, the NHS is also keen to see children and adults aged 5-49 who are in one or more of the at risk groups (including but not limited to those outlined above) or who are household contacts of someone with immunosuppression, including pregnant women, plus carers aged 16-49, and frontline health and social care workers.

Many of the GP and community pharmacy-run covid vaccination sites around the county are offering people the opportunity to get their flu jab at the same time as their covid autumn booster, although the Meres Vaccination Centre, Grantham, the Weighing Rooms, Lincoln, and PRSA, Boston, are not and are only offering covid vaccinations. 

Please note that from Saturday 3rd December, PRSA Mass Vaccination Centre, Boston, will be temporarily closed whilst roof repairs are carried out.  However, there will be additional pop-up walk-in vaccination sessions taking place during this time that don’t require an appointment – please visit our Grab a Jab page for updates and locations.

Appointments for the covid autumn booster can be booked online using the National Booking Service or by calling 119.  There is a list of scheduled vaccination clinics being held at PRSA Mass Vaccination Centre, Boston, and the Weighing Rooms Mass Vaccination Centre, Lincoln, that you can book an appointment at available at Vaccination schedule – Mass Vaccination Centres – Lincolnshire ICB.

Alternatively, it is possible to have your autumn booster on a walk-in basis, provided you are 50 or over, at either PRSA, Boston or at the Weighing Rooms, Lincoln, and there is more information on our Grab a Jab page about the days and times walk-ins are available.

In addition, the vaccination centre at the Meres (Table Tennis Club), Grantham, will be offering covid autumn booster walk-ins for people aged 50 or over on Sunday 4th December, and Sunday 11th December, between 9.30am-12.30pm. 

You can also visit the national walk-in site to find local vaccination centres around the country that are offering walk-ins.


Published 02/12/2022