MEDICAL MATTERS
- Medical Matters features questions asked by Members of the ME Association on health-related topics.
- Dr Charles Shepherd and the ME Association's other advisers answer these questions by sharing their expert knowledge.
- Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor’ series in ME Essential magazine.
- It is a free resource that supplements the detailed information contained in the full range of literature that can be found in the website shop.
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Questions in the Category: Vaccination
Vaccinations: Autumn Covid Booster 2023
Can you help me reach an informed decision about the 2023 Autumn Covid Booster vaccination?
Vaccinations: Covid-19
I appreciate that people with ME/CFS can have an exacerbation of symptoms following any type of vaccination, and that a significant minority have had a more severe and persisting adverse reaction to the Covid vaccines. However, I am still keen to continue having this protection so as long as the Covid-19 virus remains in circulation.
My 2022 Autumn Covid Booster resulted in a moderate exacerbation of ME/CFS symptoms – which lasted for about 4 weeks. So I’m querying whether it might be more sensible to allow people with ME/CFS to split the dose in half and have two smaller doses on two separate occasions. I discussed this with my GP but he wasn’t very supportive and has declined to do so. What do you think?
Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme
There was an interesting item on the BBC news ( https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-61898694 ) about the first payment being made under something called the vaccine damage payments scheme (VDPS) to the relative of someone who had suffered a fatal adverse reaction to the Oxford Astra Zenca COVID-19 vaccine.
The BBC article also referred to a lady who “…..was unable to work for a year after developing VITT (vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia) and struggles with chronic fatigue, migraines and brain fog and fears her job could be at risk – but believes she will not be considered 60% disabled”.
As someone who has had a significant and prolonged (now over a year) relapse of ME following this vaccine do you think it is worth making a claim? And does this scheme also cover people who have developed ME after other types of vaccination?
Long Covid: Vaccinations
Long Covid seems to have a lot of symptoms in common with ME/CFS and I know that the MEA has been pointing this out since it soon became apparent that some people were not returning to normal health after catching Covid-19.
One of the important differences between Long Covid and ME/CFS appears to be how people with both conditions react to vaccinations. Those with ME/CFS often report an exacerbation of ME/CFS symptoms and this can sometimes be quite severe and persistent. But there are now numerous reports about people with Long Covid feeling a lot better after having a Covid-19 vaccination and in some cases even recovering from Long Covid. Do we know why this is occurring? And could it have any implications for ME/CFS?
Septicaemia (Sepsis)
Could you say something about sepsis and ME? A friend of mine who has ME has been seriously ill in hospital with sepsis but is now back home again. The doctors say that she is going to need a prolonged period of recovery from the effects of sepsis. This has also caused a significant relapse of her ME. Are people with ME more at risk from developing sepsis if they just have a minor injury or infection? And is there anything we should be doing to reduce the risk of developing sepsis?
Aetiology: Causation
Most people I know with ME say their illness started with or followed an infection – from which they never recovered. But there are a few who don’t recall a clear and sudden onset to their deterioration in health. So are we really sure that infections are always the cause of ME?
Vaccines: Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
I have been offered the pneumococcal vaccine by my GP as I am over 65. I have had mild to moderate ME/CFS for about 10 years. My immediate reaction was to say NO WAY, as I find any infection causes a crash that lasts for weeks. I also understand that vaccinations can sometimes trigger ME/CFS, or cause a relapse of existing ME/CFS. I appreciate that this vaccine provides protection against an infection that can have serious consequences for the elderly and other people with health conditions that place them at increased risk. So, do you know of any people with ME/CFS who have had this vaccine?
Dr Charles Shepherd
Dr Shepherd has been Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association for more than 40 years. He is integral to the charity's activities and provides information and support based on his professional knowledge, personal experience as a doctor with ME/CFS, and the understanding gained from helping many thousands of people with the condition. He was a member of the comittee responsible for the 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline and is a recognised expert on ME/CFS in the UK. His knowledge extends to Post-Viral Fatigue Syndromes (PVFS), Myalgic Encephalopathy/Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or Long Covid.
If you have questions about ME/CFS or Long Covid, you can:
- Review the free information in the What is ME/CFS? section of the website, and the free Covid-19 and Long Covid information in the website shop.
- Review the largest range of literature covering all aspects of living with ME/CFS. Download detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, management, co-mordities, employment, education, related health conditions, The 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline, welfare benefits etc.
- Join the ME Association as a member and you'll receive the highly-rated ME Essential magazine, and you can ask questions of the charity’s expert advisers including Dr Shepherd.
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Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor‘ series featured in the highly-regarded member’s magazine, ME Essential, and in the healthcare professional magazine, ME Medical. Both are produced by the ME Association and published as hard-copy magazines every 3 months and sent to members and healthcare professionals by post to home or business addresses.
If you are an HCP you can sign-up here to receive ME Medical magazine (people with ME/CFS can also nominate their HCP by completing the sign-up form).
Please note: The answers comprising Medical Matters were accurate at the time of printing. A publication date accompanies all listed entries. We will endeavour to keep Medical Matters updated as information changes, but if you would like to comment, please email: meconnect@meassociation.org.uk
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Information provided by The ME Association should not be construed as medical advice. Don't assume any new or worsened symptoms are simply the result of having ME/CFS or Long Covid. We recommend that any information you deem relevant is discussed with your NHS GP as soon as possible. It is important that you seek personalised medical advice from the GP who is in charge of your care and who knows you well.