Clinical Immunology/Immunodeficiency - Information for Patients

This page is for patients with an immunodeficiency. It has information about when to contact us and how to get further information about living with an immunodeficiency.

General information

ID UK (Immunodeficiency UK) is a patient organisation that has produced useful information for patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiency: Immunodeficiency UK | Home

If you are on immunoglobulin replacement or if your consultant has recommended this then you can find more information about this treatment here: Use of immunoglobulin (IgG) in antibody deficiency | North Bristol NHS Trust (nbt.nhs.uk)

COVID-19

We advise our patients to follow government guidelines in terms of protecting themselves from COVID-19. These are updated regularly and can be found here: COVID-19: guidance and support - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

ID UK also produces expert guidance for patients with immunodeficiency in relation to COVID-19: COVID-19 - Immunodeficiency UK

Patients with an immunodeficiency who develop symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever/chills, shortness of breath, cough, feeling tired/exhausted, muscle/body aches/pains, headache, loss or change of sense of smell, a sore throat, a blocked/runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, feeling like you are going to vomit, or vomiting) should perform a lateral flow test for COVID-19 (you should have a supply of these at home).

Patients with an immunodeficiency can have treatment for COVID-19 infections. If you test positive you should contact your GP or phone 111 urgently. They can discuss and arrange an urgent referral to a COVID-19 Medicine Delivery Unit (CMDU) via eRS. Alternatively, you can contact us: Monday – Friday on 0117 414 3456.

If patients are very unwell with COVID-19 then they may consider attending their local A&E. Please do not attend for immunoglobulin infusions following a positive COVID-19 test, unless we are aware of your positive result and have made specific arrangements.

COVID-19 vaccines

Useful information with regards to COVID-19 vaccines can be found on the government website and the ID UK website. Household contacts of people who have weakened immune systems are also eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Further support and information

If you are under the care of the Immunology team for an immunodeficiency and are admitted to hospital for an infection:

Let us know by phoning 0117 414 3456.
Tell the team looking after you that you have an immunodeficiency.

You should also let us know if:

You have regular immunoglobulin infusions and develop an infection that is being treated in hospital.