Full latest update online can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19 Below is the exact text provided by the government. Mainly, announcing that shielding is paused. However, we still advise to be extra cautious, whilst we wait for more robust results about the efficacy of the vaccines in blood cancer patients, and specifically MDS patients. The SOAP […]

Following news on the extremely rare risk of blood clots/thrombosis in patients who had the Astra Zeneca vaccine, we are posting several statements by the MHRA, JCVI and BSH on this topic. We have also asked a number of MDS experts, whether MDS patients should be concerned. The consensus from the MDS experts is that […]

King’s College Hospital has secured further funding to monitor more MDS patients, as part of the SOAP study. This study is going to measure how effective the vaccines are in blood cancer patients and specifically MDS patients, as initial results have shown that the vaccines may not be as effective as in the general population. […]

Thousands of people with cancer can benefit from ‘Covid friendly’ treatments from home, the NHS announced today. More than 30 different drugs are available to treat patients, offering benefits such as fewer hospital visits or a reduced impact on their immune system. Around 8,000 people have already benefitted from the treatment ‘swaps’ since April helping […]

Now that most people in the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Group have been vaccinated, it’s vital that we report any side effects from the vaccines. This is even more important for MDS patients. Immunocompromised people were not included in the clinical trials of the vaccines, so there is a possibility that some MDS patients may respond in […]

Following the publication of emerging evidence that the Pfizer COVID vaccines are less effective for cancer patients after a single dose, the Blood Cancer Alliance (BCA) has today written to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) asking them to review the case for a reduction in the 12-week delay between vaccination doses for […]

Shielding guidance for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – from the Department of Health and Social Care. See below for the latest advice to patients by the Government. Updated on 13/01/2021 This guidance is for everyone in England who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable. If you are in this group, […]

Research FOR Patients -For an informed and empowered opinion- Have you made your clinical paper accessible yet? Patients with blood cancers such as leukaemia vary in their immune response to COVID-19 and can struggle to clear infection for very many weeks, according to new research published in Cancer Cell. By contrast, most patients with solid tumours, […]

Advice on the Covid-19 vaccines for MDS Patients: Both Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccines have been deemed safe for MDS patients. There are no known risks to cancer patients, or those on cancer treatment. Patients with an immune compromised system will still need to shield even after receiving the vaccine, as the protection may […]

MDS UK is the only charity solely dedicated to helping those affected by a rare blood cancer called Myelodysplastic Syndromes. MDS UK supports patients and their loved ones through pioneering research, a helpline, local patient meetings, and a website with up-to-date reliable information. We are a small charity that needs your support! MDS UK has […]