A guide for people with a severely weakened immune system
Why do some people with a severely weakened immune system need an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine between April and June 2025?
COVID-19 is a very infectious respiratory disease which can cause serious illness in people who have a severely weakened immune system (severe immunosuppression). If you are an individual who has a severely weakened immune system due to an underlying health condition or medical treatment, you may not have had a good immune response to your previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. You are being offered an additional dose of the vaccine to improve your levels of immunity to give you better protection.
Who is considered to have a severely weakened immune system?
The vaccine is being offered to individuals aged 6 months and over who have severe immunosuppression. This includes those who had or have:
- blood cancers (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
- lowered immunity due to treatment (such as high dose steroid medication, biological therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
- lowered immunity due to inherited disorders of the immune system
- an organ or bone marrow transplant
- diseases and treatments that affect the immune system
If you are unsure if you require an additional dose of the vaccine between April – June 2025, speak to the specialist involved in your care or alternatively contact your GP surgery.
When will the additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine be given?
The Spring-Summer campaign will run from Tuesday 1st April 2025 to Monday 30th June 2025.
Ideally the vaccine will be given at least 3 months from your previous dose of the vaccine.
I’m planned to receive immunosuppressive treatment – when should I receive my vaccine?
For individuals about to receive planned immunosuppressive treatment, vaccination should take place 2 weeks before immunosuppressive treatment commences, or 2 weeks after the period of immunosuppression. Your specialist will be able to advise you on this.
If you have recently become immunosuppressed, and not previously received a COVID-19 vaccine, your specialist or GP may refer you for vaccination.
How will I get my vaccination?
You will be contacted by the Swansea Bay UHB Immunisation Team to let you know when and where you will receive your COVID-19 vaccination. Further information about when or how you will be contacted about your Spring/Summer COVID-19 vaccination can be found by following this link.
Will I experience any side effects?
Very common side effects include:
- having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection for several days after the vaccine
- feeling tired
- headache
- general aches, or mild flu like symptoms
A less common side effect is swelling of the local glands in the neck and armpit, this starts a few days after the vaccine and may last for up to two weeks.
The immuniser will advise you on how to manage potential side effects at the vaccination appointment.
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