Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock on ME/CFS and Covid Vaccine Priority.
"I understand that currently ME is not listed as a specific condition in the priority list, and that those with “chronic neurological disease” are included in priority group 6.
"However, the JCVI has recently clarified that the examples of clinical risk groups listed in the “Green Book: Immunisations against infectious disease” are not exhaustive.
"Their advice states that within these Groups, clinical judgment should be applied to take into account the risk of COVID-19 exacerbating any underlying disease that a patient may have, as well as the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 itself.
"In all cases, you should speak with your GP if you feel you should be vaccinated sooner. I want to assure you that we are committed to vaccinating according to need, and you will not be left out or forgotten in this process..."
He also refers to ME Association guidance on this topic.
Mr Hancock then talks about the similarities between ME/CFS and Long Covid and the need for more research in this area.
The updated MEA Template Letter re: Covid Vaccine Priority in ME/CFS can be downloaded here:
https://meassociation.org.uk/.../ME-Association-Covid...
We have also reproduced the letter in full in this earlier blog:
https://meassociation.org.uk/.../vaccine-priority-list.../
#MECFS #PwME #CovidVaccine #VaccinePriority #Group6 #MattHancock