COVID-19 update

Rheumatology

If you have COVID-19

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, take a rapid lateral flow test as soon as possible, even if your symptoms are mild.

You must report your COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result on GOV.UK. If you cannot report your test result online, you can call 119 for free.

If you're eligible for treatment and you test positive for COVID-19, it's important to start the treatment as soon as you can. If you have reported your positive test result, the NHS will usually call you on the number you gave when registering your test result.

If you're a patient with us, live in Lambeth or Southwark and you have not been contacted within 24 hours of reporting your positive result, you can email us. We'll make an urgent referral for you.

COVID-19 vaccine

If you were taking medicines that affect your immune system at the time of your 1st and 2nd COVID-19 vaccine dose, you may need a 3rd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is also known as a 3rd primary dose. You should have this at least 3 months after your 2nd dose.

A 4th 'booster' COVID-19 vaccine dose should also be offered to you. This will be 3 months after your 3rd vaccine dose.

Our Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination page has more information including how to book your vaccine.

Versus Arthritis has COVID-19 advice for people taking steroids.

COVID-19 and medicines

People with chronic inflammatory disease are at greater risk. Please check the list of immunosuppressive medicines. If you're taking any of these you may be considered a high risk patient. Please assess your level of risk.

We strongly recommend continuing all medications as prescribed by your rheumatologist, unless advised otherwise. It is especially important that you do not stop steroids abruptly.

You may have an increased risk of developing the coronavirus if you take any of these immunosuppressive medications, either alone or in combination. Please check if your medication is on the list.

  • Prednisolone – more than 5mg per day for more than four consecutive weeks

And/or:

  • abatacept
  • adalimumab
  • anakinra
  • azathioprine
  • baracitinib
  • belimumab
  • canakinumab
  • certolizumab
  • ciclosporin
  • cyclophosphamide
  • etanercept
  • golimumab
  • infliximab
  • ixekizumab
  • leflunomide
  • methotrexate
  • mycophenolate (mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid)
  • rituximab, within last 12 months
  • seukinumab
  • sarilumumab
  • sirolimus
  • tacrolimus
  • tociluzimab
  • tofacitinib
  • ustekinumab

The list of immunosuppressive medication does not include hydroxychloroquine or sulphasalazine.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, please follow the guidelines on the NHS 111 website and temporarily stop taking your medicines (with the exception of steroids and hydroxychloroquine) until you have recovered. This advice applies for any infection.

Contact us

If you are an existing patient and you have a question about your appointment, please email us.

Email: [email protected]

If you don't have access to email, please call 020 7188 5900.

Do you have any comments or concerns about your care?

Contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

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