People with severely weakened immune systems are offered a third dose of vaccine, but it covers far from everyone who takes immunosuppressive drugs. Several patient associations feel that there is a concern about not being fully protected against the coronavirus at the same time as several restrictions are lifted on 29 September. - To exclude us is insane, says rheumatologist Hanna who receives immunosuppressive medication for her disease.

From 29 September, employers can once again start demanding that employees be physically present at work.

For the rheumatologist Hanna, whose real name is something else, it is a hard blow.

She has a weakened immune system, is multi-sick and has isolated herself at home since March last year.

Among rheumatologists, only those who take the heaviest immunosuppressive drugs are currently offered a third dose of covid-19 vaccine.

- If I get covid-19, I expect to die.

I understand that those who are worse off must go first, but to exclude us completely is insane, says Hanna.

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She has agreed with her employer to continue working from home, which is far from obvious to everyone.

- The employer always refers to the fact that they follow the Public Health Agency's advice, now we ourselves will have to apply to work from home.

FHM should give the council that people with weakened immune systems should have the opportunity to work at home longer, says Hanna.

The picture is confirmed by the Swedish Rheumatism Association, which notices that members are worried.

- Some express great concern about not getting a third syringe.

At the same time, it is reasonable to believe that many of those who go on immunosuppressive drugs are worried about having to go back to work, says Henrik Mannerstål, press secretary at the Swedish Rheumatism Association.

Unclear about some MS patients

Neuro, the association that brings together people with neurological diagnoses, states that there are question marks around about 6,000 MS patients who are treated with strong immunosuppressive medication.

Not everyone develops antibodies despite full vaccination.

It is still not clear if a third dose is enough or if they need to take both doses one and two to achieve full effect with antibodies.

This may mean that they need to wait until the immune system has recovered before receiving a booster dose that has an effect.

- Of course there is a concern, especially in this group, says chairman Lise Lidbäck.

There are also concerns about the easing of restrictions on 29 September.

- Some fully vaccinated people who belong to the risk group still do not dare to go out.

The little consideration taken last year in keeping distance has completely disappeared, which is worrying.

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Concerns in several patient groups about the third vaccine dose

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