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Do I need to self isolate?

This guidance is updated from advice from the Chief Medical Officer in November 2021.

https://nwis.nhs.wales/coronavirus/digital-support-updates-for-healthcare-professionals/identifying-shielding-patients/

Everyone needs to practice social distancing as has been announced by the Prime Minister. Shielding has now ended officially but the pandemic is not over. Everyone should still be careful about limiting spread of infection.

The advice at present is to carry on taking your current medication if you are well.

What if I am taking an immunosuppressant drug?

You are at higher risk of infection if you are taking one immunosuppressant drug but shielding has ended. It is strongly advised to get both the flu and COVID vaccines, as they are not live vaccines. Not being vaccinated makes it difficult for clinicians to safely prescribe immunosuppressant drugs in the current climate.

Being on Omalizumab or Dupilumab may carry a higher risk of infection but not as high as other drugs listed above.

What if I am on another drug prescribed by my dermatologist?

The following drugs do not have severe immunosuppressant activity

  • Topical skin treatments (creams, gels, etc).
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Acitretin
  • Alitretinoin
  • Isotretinoin
  • Dapsone
  • Chloroquine
  • 5-ASA medications (e.g. mesalazine)
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Only inhaled or rectally administered immunosuppressant medication, e.g. steroid inhalers

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