UK COVID Vaccination Eligibility For Coeliac Disease

[Russ H]

For those in the UK wondering whether a diagnosis of coeliac disease alone makes one eligible for a 2024 Autumn COVID booster, it seems that yes, this does make one eligible. There is variability between GP surgeries in proactively calling people in for vaccination, but it is straightforward to use the NHS App to book a vaccination. If attending a pharmacy you might have to point out the information to the pharmacist. I have had no problem receiving vaccinations at nurse-led drop-in centres or GP surgeries but did have an awkward pharmacist on one occasion.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, COVID vaccination is offered to (ignoring other qualifying criteria):

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individuals aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group (as defined in tables 3 or 4 in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book)

UKHSA, Who’s eligible for the 2024 COVID-19 vaccine, or ‘Autumn Booster’?

According to Table 3 of Chapter 14a of the Green Book, coeliac disease is a risk group:

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Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen: This also includes conditions that may lead to splenic dysfunction, such as homozygous sickle cell disease, thalassemia major and coeliac syndrome

COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a

Approximately 30% of people with coeliac disease are hyposplenic - it is more common in those diagnosed in adulthood than childhood.

Edited September 30, 2024 by Russ H

[Scott Adams]

That's good to know, and I wonder if the same is true in the USA?