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

Fludrocortisone - why it is prescribed and different brands

We explain why there are now new brands of fludrocortisone available on the market and the impact of tablet splitting and scoring lines on the new brand Mylan.
Send your seasonal greetings with our ADSHG Christmas cards!

With a few of our favourites from recent times, our festive cards are perfect for sending cheer to family, friends and colleagues. As usual we'd encourage you to think about sending them to members of your healthcare team to say thank you and remind them of our offerings to help them support people with adrenal insufficiency.
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.
In memory of Victoria Lynne Wood

To help find a cure for Addison's Disease

Send your seasonal greetings with our ADSHG Christmas cards!

With a few of our favourites from recent times, our festive cards are perfect for sending cheer to family, friends and colleagues. As usual we'd encourage you to think about sending them to members of your healthcare team to say thank you and remind them of our offerings to help them support people with adrenal insufficiency.
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.
Getting a flu vaccination this winter

It’s that time of year again – don’t forget to have your seasonal flu immunisation. There is no need to miss out, as it is free to people who are steroid-dependent (everyone with Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency). Getting flu is a thoroughly miserable experience, however if you are steroid-dependent the consequences can be very serious. Dr Anna Mitchell explains more.
Behind the Research: U-RHYTHM

Researcher Dr Thomas Upton updates us the development of U-RHYTHM, a medical wearable device to measure hormones, including cortisol levels, in the body over the full 24 hours, as part of the ULTRADIAN study at Bristol.
Lynsey's Story: Pickle Addiction Photoshoot

Lynsey who has Addison's used her skills as an interiors and still life stylist to create a colorful photoshoot to explore one of the symptoms Addison's: craving salt. Here she shares with us the story behind her pickle addiction photoshoot.
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

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.
Sick Day Rules

People with adrenal insufficiency are particularly vulnerable to adrenal crisis being triggered by seemingly "minor" ailments, including vomiting, diarrhoea, colds & flu. It's important to recognise the early symptoms of a bug or cold and adjust your steroid replacement medication accordingly.
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.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 14/09/2021

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.
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!
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.
Adrenal Crisis Can Kill
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.
What is Addison's Disease?

Find out more about Addisons's disease and adrenal insufficiency and and how they are treated.
Vaccines and Adrenal Insufficiency

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?

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