Our Cardiomyopathy UK Specialist Nurse, Jayne, has answered some common questions about the autumn 2024 COVID booster.
Who Will Get the Autumn 2024 COVID Booster?
The Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation recommends the following groups get the COVID-19 booster from October 2024:
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- Persons aged 6 months and over in a clinical risk group, including:
- Chronic heart disease and vascular disease (age 16+)
- Congenital heart disease, hypertension with heart issues, chronic heart failure, those needing regular medication or follow-up for heart disease
- Chronic heart conditions in children under 16, including significant congenital and acquired heart disease, chronic cyanosis, cardiomyopathy needing medication, and pulmonary hypertension
- Pregnant women (all stages)
When Will I Get My Autumn Booster?
The booster will be offered from October to December 2024. You will be invited by your GP when it’s your turn.
For further information for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can be found here:
Scotland: NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine
England: NHS https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/COVID-19-vaccine/
Wales: GOV.WALES https://www.gov.wales/covid-19-vaccination-programme#139032
Northern Ireland: indirect https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19
Which Vaccine Will I Get?
You will be offered either Pfizer or Moderna.
Is the Booster Safe for Heart Conditions?
Yes, the booster is safe for most people with heart conditions, including cardiomyopathy. Only approved vaccines are used.
Should I Get the Booster if I Had Myocarditis or Pericarditis?
Having these conditions in the past doesn’t necessarily increase your risk. If unsure, ask your cardiologist, cardiac nurse, or GP.
Do I Need a Booster if I Had COVID Recently?
Yes, it’s important to get the booster even if you had COVID recently. You will need to wait a certain period after recovering.
Can I Get the Flu Vaccine at the Same Time?
Yes, you can get the flu and COVID vaccines at the same appointment. It’s safe to do so, but they might be offered separately for logistical reasons, but there does not need to be an interval in between.
Our Advice
Cardiomyopathy UK encourages vaccination for all cardiomyopathy patients, especially those with heart failure symptoms. Follow any specific advice from your cardiologist, cardiac nurse, or GP.
If you have questions, our specialist nurses are available on our helpline at 0800 018 1024, Monday – Friday, 08:30am – 4:30pm or contact our Nurses via our webchat on our website.