FAQ for Immunosupressed
Third Primary Covid-19 Vaccine and Fourth Booster Dose for the immunosuppressed
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises UK health departments on immunisation and regularly updates their recommendations. Please see the links below to relevant recent guidance:
- JCVI advice on third primary doses for those who have been severely immunosuppressed (1 September)
- JCVI advice on booster doses for those who have been severely immunosuppressed (29 November)
- JCVI advice on vaccination of children and young people (including 5- to 15-year-olds who are household contacts of those who have been immunosuppressed) (22 December)
This dose should form part of your main Covid-19 vaccination course. You may hear this referred to as the third primary dose of the vaccine. This is advised to help boost your immunity to Covid-19 and ensure the best possible vaccine response. This is based on research and experience with other vaccines. The third dose should be delivered a minimum of eight weeks following your second Covid-19 vaccination.
You have heard the third primary dose of the vaccine being called the booster dose.
No, the third primary dose is not the same as a booster vaccination. Based on current recommendations, if you are immunosuppressed you will also be offered a booster vaccination no sooner than 91 days after your third dose.
Your referral letter will let a Covid-19 vaccination site know that you require a third primary dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. If you have already had your third dose, the letter explains that you are also eligible for your booster three months later.
Third Dose: You can take your referral letter with you to the vaccination centre which your clinician has highlighted. If they have not specified one, you can book via the National Booking Service for your third primary dose, or visit a Covid-19 vaccination centre offering walk-in vaccinations that specify they have ‘third dose availability’.
You do not need to call your GP surgery or contact the hospital about this “booster”
Fourth Dose/ Booster: It is not yet possible to book your fourth dose/ booster on the National Booking Service.
Walk-in vaccinations for people who have been severely immunosuppressed are available for you to receive your third primary dose and/or your booster. Please use the online walk-in vaccination site finder to find your nearest available walk-in clinic.
Ideally you will need a referral letter from your GP or specialist. If you don’t have a specific letter directing you to receive a third primary dose or booster, you may still be able to receive these following a clinical conversation and if you are able to provide evidence of your condition or therapy.
If you don’t have a specific referral letter that describes your condition, you can present evidence such as:
• a hospital letter that describes your condition, or the medication you were prescribed with, at the time of your first and/or second dose
• a prescription copy or a medication box with your name and a date on it.
Yes, severely immunosuppressed individuals who have completed their primary course of three doses should be offered a booster (4th) dose with a minimum of three months between the third primary dose and the booster.
Yes, they are now eligible for a primary vaccination, joining children in older age groups. For further details please see this statement from JCVI.
The NHS has launched a national Covid-19 cancer antibody survey for individuals who are on cancer treatment or have been diagnosed in the last year. The survey will enable you to find out your Covid antibody responses following vaccination or infection. If you choose to participate in this survey, a finger prick blood kit will be sent to you at home and testing will be done through the gov.uk antibody testing program. You can self-enrol at https://covidcancersurvey.uk