Special Conditions
Find vaccination information for people with special conditions.
Whats on this page
If you have a weakened immune system due to a health condition, a medication you are taking or a treatment you are receiving, then you may be eligible for some seasonal vaccinations to protect you from viruses such as Covid-19 and flu.
You may be immunosuppressed if:
- you are having – Chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy
- you are taking medication – Immunosuppressive or immunomodulating
biological therapy, protein kinase or PARP inhibitors and steroid sparing
agents – i.e. cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil or have been
taking Steroids for more than a month. - you have had – An organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
- you have been told you have – HIV, multiple myeloma, leukaemia,
lymphoma, myeloma, lupus, or a genetic disorder which affects the immune
system.
Please speak to your GP practice or Consultant if you are unsure if you need a seasonal vaccine.
Covid-19
As we move into autumn and winter, protection from any earlier Covid-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. People who are immunosuppressed are more likely to become seriously ill from Covid-19, and are eligible for the free vaccine in the autumn.
The Covid-19 vaccination will help to protect the most vulnerable from becoming seriously unwell with Covid. The immunity built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time so it’s important to boost protection regularly.
You can have the autumn vaccine as long as you’ve had a minimum of 6 months since your last vaccine dose. If you are eligible, you can get protection from an autumn Covid-19 vaccination even if you have not taken up a Covid-19 vaccine offer in the past.
Flu vaccination
The autumn and winter months signal the start of colder weather and an increase in the spread of viruses such as flu. To help combat the spread of flu those most at risk are now being offered their free flu vaccination.
Flu is far more than just a bad cold. For those susceptible, it can increase the risk of developing serious lung and airway infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse. Flu spreads easily and can lead to hospitalisation – in some cases, even death. The flu virus is constantly evolving, which is why getting vaccinated each year is vital.
The Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) will be providing specialist Covid-19 and flu vaccination clinics for children in clinical risk groups from 6 months to 4 years. You can book an appointment for the LRI clinics by calling the central booking team on 0116 497 5700 and selecting option 1.
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