What is Coronavirus? Expand COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new coronavirus that affects the lungs and airways. It is related to viruses that cause the common cold. Unlike the common cold, this virus is new, so nobody has immunity to it. The entire population is therefore at risk of catching it. It is estimated that as many as 80% of people who catch the virus may experience relatively mild or no symptoms but are able to pass on the infection to others. People who do develop symptoms are at risk of passing it on to others for up around 7 days before symptoms emerge. The commonest symptoms are high fever, cough, or shortness of breath. People aged over 70, with long-term conditions or a weakened immune system are at risk of developing complications of the infection, including secondary lung infections or damaging excess activity of the immune system. Some patients with particular neurological conditions, who receive certain treatments for neurological conditions, or who also have other non- neurological conditions are at increased risk of complications of COVID-19.
General Information Expand The Myaware medical committee continues to recommend that all patients with myasthenia receive the required doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. We would like to emphasise the fact that clinicians and scientists do not yet have robust data on the level of protection that the vaccine provides to patients, whether younger or older, on immunosuppression or not, with or without health other conditions. Most patients with myasthenia have been on some form of immunosuppressive therapy. Many patients also have other conditions recognised as risk factors for developing complications from COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, a great majority of the young and adult myasthenia patients have very active roles in the family, attend school or university, or have professional responsibilities, all requiring more contact with other people on a daily basis. Therefore, we will continue to recommend that patients and close relatives continue to utilise precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing and hand washing, particularly when in close proximity to people with an unknown vaccination status. If specific questions remain, patients should seek medical advice from their GP or treating neurologist to discuss in more detail their individual clinical situation and estimated risks. Patients should promote open discussions about prevention of COVID-19 infection, including vaccination, among those with whom they live with, or people they socialise with, and encourage them to get vaccinated to keep everyone safe. Myaware continues to lobby on behalf of our members to secure a clear plan for consideration and protection of those who are immunosuppressed, including priority for booster vaccinations and treatments for those living with myasthenia who may become ill with Coronavirus. Here you can find out some general information about how myaware can support you and information from the Association of British Neurologists. For specialist guidance on Benefits, Welfare, Education, Employment, Motoring and much more see our Benefits and Welfare advice page or contact Steve Bradshaw, myaware’s Benefits and Welfare Officer at [email protected] or on 01332 290219.Living with myasthenia
Advocacy Expand Myaware has taken the following steps to ensure that the needs and voices of our members are heard with regard to Coronavirus vaccinations: Myaware has written to the Ministers for Health in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as numerous local MPS to request a statement of intent with regard to plans to protect those who are immunocompromised against the effects of Coronavirus. Here you will find a template letter if you wish to write to your local MP regarding this subject. Myaware has joined www.nationalvoices.org.uk the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England so that members needs are represented. Myaware is a long term member of the Neurological Alliance www.neural.org.uk The Neurological Alliance is a coalition of more than 80 organisations working together to transform outcomes for the millions of people in England with a neurological condition. They campaign for high quality care and support to meet the individual needs of every person with a neurological condition, at every stage of their life. Myaware recently received the following information from Neurological Alliance regarding their advocacy work on behalf of those who are immunosuppressed or compromised.
Q&A RE Coronavirus Vaccines 19th October 2021 Expand Please read our Q & A on Coronavirus Vaccines in full via the PDF Updated Covid Q&A October 2021
Vaccine Booster information Expand On 5 and 19 August 2021 the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) considered whether some individuals may benefit from a third vaccine dose as part of their primary schedule of COVID-19 vaccination (described henceforth in this document as ‘third primary dose’), you can read more on the Gov.uk website.
Coronavirus Q&A April 2021 Expand The myaware medical committee have recently put together an interview with Bethan Peach (chair of the myaware medical committee) covering all the frequently asked questions regarding Coronavirus and the vaccines. There is also a transcript of the interview to read. This links to Bethan’s Zoom interview Watch the interview You can read a full transcript of the interview here.
Working Safely During the Pandemic Expand Current government advice on staying COVID safe in the workplace
Coronavirus Help in Your Area Expand Find out what help you might be able to get from your local council if you are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).NHS England has recruited an amazing team of volunteers to help people in England to stay safe during coronavirus (COVID-19).Our volunteers help people: Avoid busy places by collecting their shopping, medicines, and other important items Have regular contact with other people by making regular friendly phone calls Get to medical appointments by giving lifts.
Impact of Pandemic on Neurological Services Expand National neurology and neuroscience leaders warn of a perfect storm for services for people with neurological conditions resulting from the pandemic. The National Neuroscience Advisory Group (NNAG), a group of healthcare professionals, and national and local policy and commissioning leads patient groups working together to improve the quality of care for people living with neurological conditions, has today launched a report which shows the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with neurological conditions and key services on which they rely. NNAG Press Release