14 January 2021
The Royal Brompton Hospital adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) team would like to provide our interpretation of government and other national guidance in relation to patients who are vulnerable to complications from Covid-19, and the need for vaccination:
- All adult patients with congenital heart disease have a chronic heart condition and are, therefore, deemed vulnerable
- A minority of ACHD patients are deemed extremely vulnerable. This includes patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, Down syndrome, Fontan (univentricular) circulation, unrepaired cyanotic heart disease. In this group we have included patients with a systemic right ventricle. All extremely vulnerable patients should have received communication by NHSE of their inclusion to the shielding list.
- We would recommend that all ACHD patients receive a Covid-19 vaccine
- Prioritisation for vaccination is made according to the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Invitation to attend for vaccination will come via GP practices or from some hospitals. Unfortunately, we are not providing vaccinations to patients at Royal Brompton and Harefield at the current time
- Extremely vulnerable and vulnerable patients should be prioritised for a Covid-19 vaccine, following the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
- All ACHD patients should remain physically active and fit within their abilities, limiting additional Covid-19 risk factors, such as obesity.
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