Vaccines and Adrenal Insufficiency

If you have Addison's Disease or another form of adrenal insufficiency, which vaccines should you have? Is it safe to be vaccinated? What do you need to know before you go for a jab?

On our website we have lots of useful links and some helpful advice to help you explore any particular concerns you may have and understand what you need to consider.

Click below for more information.

Flu jab and other vaccines

Coronavirus Vaccines and Adrenal Insufficiency

Latest

Angel Steps

I'm raising money for the Addison's Disease Self Help Group so that they can continue to support people with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency. Addison’s is a rare endocrine condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones and can be life threatening. It affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people, meaning an estimated 300 - 350 new cases are diagnosed each year across the UK, this makes it roughly 300 times rarer than diabetes.
London Landmarks Half Marathon 2023

The London Landmarks Half Marathon takes place on 2 April 2023 across central London. Whether this is your first running event, or you're a seasoned pro, put on your trainers for our charity, join #TeamAddisons and help make a difference to people's lives.
Surgical Guidelines

The ADSHG surgical guidelines are intended for the information of your medical team or your dentist and have been developed by our Clinical Advisory Panel.
Our Team

Our charity is governed by a team of volunteer trustees and run day-to-day by our Operations Manager, supported by our wonderful community of volunteers.

Standalone Ambulance Guidelines on Steroid Dependency added to JRCALC

New standalone guidelines regarding steroid-dependent patients have been issued by JRCALC for paramedic use. We explain how ADSHG worked with the team to make this vital addition, improving patient safety.
Research Questionnaire: Post-traumatic growth in individual's with chronic illness.

Do you have Addison’s or adrenal insufficiency? Please consider completing this new research questionnaire looking at post-traumatic growth (PTG), led by Rachel Berryman, final year BSc Psychology student at the University of Hull.
Research Questionnaire: Hydrocortisone for Children and Young People

Please consider completing this new research questionnaire, looking to better understand how children, young people and their carers use the different hydrocortisone formulations available, how they prepare doses, and how using these formulations and methods affect their everyday lives.
Joint letter to the Prime Minister regarding the lifting of virtually all infection control measures

ADSHG join National Voices and 56 healthcare charities in a joint letter to the Prime Minister, regarding the next phase of the COVID response, and the need to urgently address the needs of people who remain at high risk from the virus.
Research Opportunity: Looking at Adrenal Crisis - The VIStAA Study

Do you have primary adrenal insufficiency - such as Addison’s disease or CAH? Please consider taking part in this research study looking at management of adrenal crisis, led by Lisa Shepherd, Endocrinology Advanced Nurse Practitioner/HEE/NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and ADSHG Medical Trustee.
Adam's Story: The AI Warrior

Meet Adam - the AI Warrior. After diagnosis, Adam created his character The AI Warrior to give people an idea of his daily needs and to spread awareness. His aim is for his character to be added to Fortnite and reach the Addison's community, creating a team of strong rare disease warriors. Read on for Adam's story.
Why Salt?

Why do people with Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency crave salty, acidic and sour foods at diagnosis, and then salt remains our “pick me up” when diagnosed? Professor Simon Pearce explains the connection between aldosterone, fludrocortisone and why you should always listen to your salt cravings.
Support #HidrocortisonaJÁ & how ABA made Injections Kits a reality in Brazil

Associação Brasileira Addisoniana (ABA) report on the success of making emergency injection kits available in Brazil during the pandemic, with the support of the ACT Panel Read on to learn how you can support their vital new campaign “No more waiting, hydrocortisone and synthetic ACTH NOW”. #HidrocortisonaJÁ, #VoltaACTH #AbaddisonBrasil
ADSHG in The Guardian - Rare Diseases edition!

We are delighted that our article "Think Addison's disease - save a life", is featured in today's Guardian newspaper Rare Diseases supplement!
ADSHG sponsor CoMICs members for #eECE 2022 – supporting the next generation of Endocrinologists

Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG) are delighted to announce their sponsorship of 3 CoMICs team members to the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) Conference in 2022.

Sick Day Rules

Minor ailments can affect anyone with a steroid-dependent adrenal condition very differently. Things like vomiting, diarrhoea, colds and flu could cause an adrenal crisis. It’s important that you spot the early symptoms of a bug or cold and adjust your steroid replacement medication.
Coronavirus Vaccines and Adrenal Insufficiency

Everyone with a steroid-dependent adrenal condition should get the coronavirus vaccine to reduce their risk of getting coronavirus. This is because people who are steroid-dependent are at increased risk of needing hospital care if they get coronavirus, due to the risk of adrenal crisis.
The Emergency Injection for the treatment of Adrenal Crisis

Understanding what an Emergency Injection kit is, how to inject and how important it is to use the injection during an Adrenal Crisis.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 24/02/2021

Our medics have been keeping an eye on pandemic developments. This page is up to date but we will continue updating it regularly as we find out more information from the government.
Adrenal Crisis Can Kill
What is Addison's Disease?

Find out more about Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency and and how they are treated.
Why Salt?

Why do people with Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency crave salty, acidic and sour foods at diagnosis, and then salt remains our “pick me up” when diagnosed? Professor Simon Pearce explains the connection between aldosterone, fludrocortisone and why you should always listen to your salt cravings.
Updated NHS Steroid Card Released

Following the early release of the new NHS Steroid Emergency Card back in March to keep patients with Addison's or adrenal insufficiency safe during the COVID-19 crisis, the NHS steroid card has been updated and physical copies will be available to order from Tuesday 18th August 2020 for hospital teams!
Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine - Personal Stories

The COVID-19 vaccination campaign has kicked off - but what does it feel like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? People with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency share their experiences of receiving the vaccine.
Surgical Guidelines

The ADSHG surgical guidelines are intended for the information of your medical team or your dentist and have been developed by our Clinical Advisory Panel.

Research Grants

Our charity is at the forefront of medical research into Addison's Disease. Help us fund medical researchers working in this important field of endocrine research. Read more