The following information on the current pandemic is aimed at those with the rare endocrine diseases for whom we provide information resources and support services. It is from reputable sources such as the NHS and the World Health Organisation in conjunction with our own medical advisors and those of other organisations like AMEND.
Beware of misinformation that is being spread on social media.
On this page, we bring together, and regularly review and update, the information currently available to us, so check back regularly.
As we cope with the continued pandemic, it continues to be essential to follow the advice given out by the NHS which is detailed below. Whilst the majority of people may have mild to no symptoms and not require hospital treatment, the virus spreads easily, and can have a devastating effect on those who are more vulnerable.
We all need to do our bit to protect one another.
This page was reviewed on: 03/03/2021
How is PPSUK/AMEND Affected by the Pandemic?
Jo and Helen are working their usual hours from home (Jo – full time 9am-5pm; Helen part time 9am-2pm Mon-Thurs). Helen is also visiting the office once a week to process memberships and merchandise orders.
COVID-19 Vaccines
The UK has now approved 3 COVID-19 vaccines and is currently rolling out two of these (Pfizer/BioNtech and Oxford/AstraZeneca). If you are not sure about having a COVID vaccine, we strongly recommend that you read the evidence and information at the links given below. Vaccines are a way for a community to look after one another, in the same way that the flu jab each year.
Below, we list a range of questions and corresponding information resources:
- Is the COVID vaccine safe?
- All about the vaccine, research and priority list (NHS)
- Statement from the Society for Endocrinology about the vaccine and endocrine conditions
- Why vaccination is safe and important
- When can I expect to receive my vaccination?
- What to expect after the vaccination
- More detailed Q&As on a variety of related topics (AMEND website)
Social Media: Neither PPSUK nor AMEND tolerate the spreading of misinformation on our social media channels. We will remove any posts or comments that do so (Facebook is already doing so).
General Advice and Information:
Local level measures are likely to be brought in again after the national lockdown:
Advice Specific to People with Long-term (Underlying) Medical Conditions:
If you’re identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk level, you will be on a list that is held by the NHS who will contact you if you need to self-isolate (shield) at any time.
- BBC Advice for People With Health Conditions
- Society for Endocrinology Advice for people with adrenal or pituitary insufficiency (taking corticosteroids for pituitary or adrenal problems) [PDF download]
- Steroid Dependent Patient UK Emergency Card download (complete and keep)
- British Thyroid Association and Society for Endocrinology Statement for patients with Thyroid Cancer [PDF Download]
- One Cancer Voice Advice for People with Cancer [PDF download]
- European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) information for people with cancer [external link]
Fact-Checking the Media
Other Resources
- Get Legally Speaking – podcasts of UK lawyers answering questions (from employment to marital queries, including COVID-19 related issues)
- COVID-19 Scam Checker – Find out about coronavirus scams and how to avoid them (US-based site)
- C-19 ZOE app: this is a daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker for the UK. It can be used daily (takes 1 minute) even if you feel well, and can arrange access to home testing if you report symptoms. Click here for more information.
- Serco (NHS) Test & Trace App: Promised in June and finally released on 24 September, this app contains information about COVID-19, a facility to scan QR check-in codes, and will notify you to self-isolate if you have been potentially exposed to someone with the virus. You may need to update your smartphone to be able to use this app. Click here for more information.