4th vaccine dose?

A fourth dose is advised for anyone who is at higher risk from severe covid infection. If you’re not sure you fall into this category it might be worth giving them a phone to check.

The protective effects of the covid vaccine wear off after a while and the 4th dose is meant to gee-up our body’s defence system again.

We had ours on Friday. I felt like I’d been kicked in the arm by a horse yesterday - but I feel fine again today.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine-people-with-severely-weakened-immune-system/

I’m feeling very disappointed right now. Being CEV and immunosuppressed, I had assumed I would be entitled to a fourth vaccine. However, I have just been advised by my GP that this is not the case, as my methotrexate dose is too low. According to ‘Green Book’ criteria, you have to be on at least 20 mg and I take 12.5 mg. Has anyone else come across this? Versus Arthritis are you aware of this contingency?

Thank you very much for this information, Jamie.

I'm waiting to see if I get a message from the GP - had two jabs and the booster and was only diagnosed with RA a couple of weeks ago and will be starting MTX shortly (got an appointment with the MTX nurse on 8th March). The consultant said that I would be eligible for another jab when I saw them a couple of weeks ago.

I was told to take the letter I had for the 3rd jab to a walk in centre to get my 4 th 12 weeks after the 3rd

I thought that the reason for the 3rd primary dose was that due to the drugs we were on at the time of our first and second doses the ability of the vaccine to generate sufficient antibodies was possibly compromised. I assumed that if someone wasn't receiving any of the drug treatments listed by the JCVI at the time of their first and second doses their reaction to the vaccines in generating antibodies shouldn't be compromised.

First time ive heard about the 20mg mtx criteria.

Dont forget though if you are also on Anti Tnf infusion treatment then you need the fourth jab no matter what dose of mtx you are on. Im not sure about all the different makes though but it defo included Infliximab/Remsima

And there is discussion at the moment for a 5th and 6th over the next year but this has not been finalised yet.

I've received a text from my GP offering me a 4th covid jab but I'm really unsure about having it. I'm on 20mg methotrexate injections and various other meds so definitely fall into the high risk category but I just feel 4 doses in under 12 months is an awful lot for an already suppressed immune system to cope with. No one knows if there are any long term risks or health problems associated with these vaccines and I'm also aware that the cover an immunocompromised person receives from each jab is a lot lower than that of a fully fit and healthy person. Am I fretting over nothing or is this a genuine concern?

Can anyone help with my concerns please?

iv had 4 doses as I’m on biologics. I shielded during lockdowns, still wear a mask ( most places) and continue to be careful , as I also care for my 96 yr old M in L. But - I’m uncertain about a 5th dose, especially as it’s likely that the immunosuppressed will be offered a 6th dose in the autumn. My logic is that the better weather is around the corner and will be easier to spend time outdoors. Also, other factors are playing a part in my caution. Is it better to have Covid whilst I still have antibodies from my vaccines ( last one in February)??? I’m taking high doses ( recommended) of Vit D & K. Vit B complex, Vit C & zinc. Along with the biologics I feel my immune system is being dragged from pillar to post. I ache all over, my joints are definitely screaming at me. I take into account that winter’s are not my best friend, but usually I’m better than this at this time of year.

Im leaning towards giving my system a rest until autumn although not definitely decided yet.

What decisions have others made?

I’m on 15mg methotrexate and received a letter inviting me to have my 4th dose. Off I went along today and was screened and the minimum is 20mg methotrexate or if you’re on any steroids as well. So I was told no and off I came back home again. The person who screened me said I’d be offered my spring booster later in April and I will be eligible for that. So I am in the category of immunosuppressed but not severely immunosuppressed.

There was also confusion when they sent me a letter about the third vaccine at the same time as the autumn booster so who knows what I am supposed to have had.