Importance of Vaccines

“Do not underestimate the flu. For people who are steroid dependent, catching flu can have serious consequences such as developing a life-threatening adrenal crisis. An ADSHG member survey showed that one in four adrenal crises were triggered by the flu or flu-like illnesses. Most flu illnesses recover fully within a few days, but people who are steroid dependent must follow the sick day rules."

"If you have a temperature, feel poorly or weak, follow the Sick Day Rules. If you don’t feel better after 48 hours, continue to take extra steroids and speak to your GP or your endocrine nurse/doctor for more advice. If you feel very unwell with vomiting, diarrhoea or can’t keep your tablets down, you should inject yourself with 100mg of hydrocortisone and seek medical advice immediately."

“Most people tolerate the flu jab well; however, some may develop temporary side effects such as headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue, which usually resolve within 24 hours. If you are prone to developing these side effects, you may want to take an extra dose of steroids (e.g., 10mg of oral hydrocortisone) about an hour before getting the jab. You should also take some extra steroids and drink plenty of fluids if you develop a temperature and keep doing so until you feel better.”

Dr Alessandro Prete, Consultant Endocrinologist

Vaccines and boosters are effective ways to prevent infection, and we encourage you to have them if you are eligible.From Autumn 2025 only the following groups of people will be offered a COVID-19 booster free of charge:

• adults aged 75 years and over
• residents in a care home for older adults 
• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

If you are eligible, you can book your covid booster via the NHS website

Book an appointment

If you do not fall into one of these categories, then you will no longer be eligible for a free booster, but you can still get one privately.  They are available from most local pharmacies as well as Boots.  You can have it at the same time as your flu jab, but it is advisable to have them in different arms.

Emotional support

If you feel worried or anxious about coronavirus, you can visit our webpage to help you cope with stress and other emotions. 

Looking after my emotional wellbeing

If you are a member, you can also connect with others on our online community platform, where members share their experiences and advice, and you can ask any unanswered questions. 

Members-only online community

Be prepared for Flu, Covid or Shingles

It is important to be prepared in case you become unwell;

1. Have sufficient steroid medication - make sure you have enough of your replacement steroid medication in the house so you can increase your replacement dose (follow the Sick Day Rules) while you are unwell. If not, request an early repeat prescription from your GP. Remember, 3 months' provision of essential steroid medication is standard practice and is the advice given by the Clinical Advisory Panel, Society for Endocrinology and on the NHS page for Addison's disease. 
2. Steroid Emergency Card – have a copy of the NHS Steroid card or ADSHG steroid card to hand, ready to show healthcare professionals should you need medical support or have an adrenal crisis. Learn more about steroid cards.
3. Emergency injection kit - Have your own hydrocortisone emergency injection kit ready and with you - visit our injection kit page to learn more about the importance of kits and how to get a kit if you don't already have one. If you're nervous about using your kit or unsure how to store it, check out our #ShareYourKit campaign for more support.

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