Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance for people with kidney disease

• Those at highest risk from Covid, including people who are immunocompromised because they have a kidney transplant, will be assessed by a specialist clinician at a new Covid Medicines Delivery Unit and treated with the most appropriate medicine. This is to ensure those at highest risk have direct access to the best available treatments.

• On 20 December 2021 the Government announced the inclusion of a second Covid-19 monoclonal antibody based treatment, Xevudy (sotrovimab), licenced by MHRA on 2 December, for those at highest risk of developing severe disease.

• The antiviral drug Monulpiravir, which can reduce the risk of severe disease and death from Covid, will be made available an alternative to Ronapreve or through a research study to people at higher risk who have tested positive for Covid. People can register for the trial once they have received a positive result on a PCR test. They will then be prescribed either Monulpiravir or the current best standard of care.

• If you are aged 16 and over and are immunosuppressed you will be offered A FOURTH, BOOSTER DOSE, three months after your third primary dose.

• If you are immunosuppressed and have not yet had your third dose, in England you can book an appointment online or find a walk-in vaccination site. You do not need an appointment at a walk-in centre but will need to take a letter from a GP or hospital consultant confirming you are eligible.

Read more at:  www.kidneycareuk.org  Or  go to gov.uk

What should I do if I have Covid-19 symptoms
or have tested positive for the virus?

In summary:

• Get a PCR test as soon as possible if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have tested positive on a lateral flow test (LFT) to ensure prompt access to treatment.

• If you develop Covid-19 symptoms or test positive for the virus, you should inform your kidney doctor so they can help you manage the illness.

• If you have symptoms of Covid-19 or have tested positive on a PCR or LFT, do not go into your renal unit or to dialysis until you have spoken to them on the telephone and do not visit your GP, pharmacy or hospital in person.

• You must start to follow government guidance on self-isolation if you get symptoms of Covid-19 or you have tested positive on a PCR or LFT

• Read and follow NHS advice if you are managing your symptoms at home. If you live alone, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to check up on you via a telephone call or at the doorway (not face to face).