Question

Do I need to disclose HIV before a COVID jab?

13 January 2021. Related: All topics, COVID-19.

Answer

In the UK, there are several related issues as background.

First, of the nine priority groups, HIV is included in group 6 (or sometimes group 4 if you have other complications). But this access is organised through your GP, not your HIV clinic. This means that if your GP does not know you are HIV positive, you will not get earlier access.

Secondly, the priority group might be included at the vaccine centre but your diagnosis is unlikely to be listed. This is personal information to you. You are unlikely to be asked any more questions, but if you don’t want to disclose your HIV status, you don’t need to.

This is because injecting procedures are the same whether you are HIV positive or negative.

Although one of the vaccine leaflets (for the Pfizer vaccine) does ask about HIV, it is fine to ignore this if you want to. The leaflet is an old leaflet that is now out-of-date.

If you are asked to fill in a form about other medical conditions, you can also ignore HIV if you are on effective ART.

On the other hand, if you are happy to talk about HIV, you might be surprised. The person giving the injection might say “me too” or “yeah, my Mum is also positive”.

This is one of more than 50 questions about COVID vaccines. It was produced by and for people living with HIV.
Q&A on COVID vaccines: are they safe and effective?
https://i-base.info/qa/16330

Question

Do I need to disclose HIV before a COVID jab?

Answer

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