People with epilepsy included in priority group 6 for Covid vaccine
We are receiving many calls and enquiries to our Helpline and across our social media channels from people anxious that they are not included in priority group 6 for the Covid-19 vaccine. Many people say they have been told by their GP that epilepsy is not included as an underlying health condition.
We have spoken directly with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) who have assured us that epilepsy is included in priority group 6 as defined by the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations.
We also have a letter of support for you to download and take or show to your GP from our Medical Director Professor Ley Sander. This explains the inclusion of people with epilepsy in priority group 6. If you are unable to print the letter, please call 01494 601 300 and we will be able to send a copy out to you.
Letter of support for the Covid-19 vaccine
The main risk groups identified by the Committee are as follows:
- Chronic respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive
- pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and severe asthma
- Chronic heart disease (and vascular disease)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease including epilepsy
- Down’s syndrome
- Severe and profound learning disability
- Diabetes
- Solid organ, bone marrow and stem cell transplant recipients
- People with specific cancers
- Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
- Asplenia and splenic dysfunction
- Morbid obesity
- Severe mental illness.
Other groups at higher risk, including those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill, should also be offered vaccination alongside these groups.
This information can be found here (see page 7) and has been shared with GPs by the DHSC .