COVID Vaccinations

Update on COVID booster Vaccinations 8^th March 2023

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine booster doses are offered seasonally and may be offered additionally if there is a surge in infections. The next COVID-19 booster for people who are at higher risk of becoming unwell with COVID is expected in April 2023. This includes all people living with HIV and the NHS should contact you when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.

If you have not yet had your 1st or 2nd COVID vaccine (or for a very small number of people your 3^rd primary vaccine), you can still get these in the interim– see the information below.

How many COVID Vaccinations are recommended for people living with HIV?

The majority of people living with HIV are recommended to have 2 primary doses and any subsequent recommended boosters. If you are up to date with all your COVID vaccinations, you should have had 5 COVID vaccine doses in total. If you have not had all of your booster doses, the next COVID-19 booster doses are expected to be available in April 2023 and the NHS should contact you when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.

If you have not had your first or second primary doses, you can still get these by booking online or by phoning NHS 119. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/how-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine/how-to-get-a-1st-and-2nd-dose/.

Additional protection for people living with HIV with reduced immunity

There are a small number of people living with HIV who are particularly vulnerable to becoming unwell with COVID – these are people with a CD4 count of < 200, those not on antiretrovirals and those with a detectable viral load. These individuals are recommended to have 3 primary doses and any subsequent recommended doses. If you are up to date with our COVID vaccinations, you will have had a total of 6 COVID vaccine doses. You will be or have previously been contacted by the Lawson Unit if you fall into this vaccination group.

If you have not had all of your booster doses, the next COVID-19 booster doses are expected to be available in April 2023 and the NHS should contact you when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.

If you have not had your third (additional) primary dose, you can still get these by booking online or by phoning NHS 119. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/how-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine/how-to-get-an-additional-primary-dose-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/.

Additional protection for other health conditions

Please note that some people living with HIV may be eligible for a total of 6 vaccine doses due to other health conditions that mean they are more vulnerable to becoming unwell with COVID. These people will have been previously contacted by their GP or other specialist service.

Do you need to show proof of eligibility?

It is unlikely that you need to show proof of vaccine eligibility if you have had a COVID vaccination before, if you are 50years of age or over, or you have had a letter showing your eligibility previously. If necessary, you can show a link to this website.

If you experience difficulty receiving your next vaccination due to questions about your eligibility, please contact the Lawson Unit who can provide a letter if it is necessary.

Finally

We recommend that all people living with HIV are vaccinated for COVID-19 and have the seasonal booster doses when they are available. If you are concerned about the safety or effectiveness of vaccines, you can get more information on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/. Or if you live in Brighton and Hove: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccinations#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20any%20concerns,get%20your%20COVID%2D19%20vaccine