coronavirus

Pernicious Anaemia and the Coronavirus

13 Mar, 2020

Pernicious Anaemia Society

Last updated on March 20th, 2020

We have been contacted many times in the last week by members of the society who are concerned about their long-term condition and Covid-19. We have consulted with some of our research collaborators and can now issue the following advice.

There is no evidence to suggest that patients who have been diagnosed and treated for Pernicious Anaemia will be more susceptible than others to contact the disease. Nor does their treated Pernicious Anaemia mean that they will stand any greater chance of them experiencing a rapid deterioration in their health than any other infected person.
However, there has been no research into this, and consequently no dataset exists about the experience of patients with Pernicious Anaemia with pandemics such as Covid-19. Because some patients are under-treated, it is wise to take every precaution to avoid contracting the disease and as vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy balance of the immune system, it is important to keep your B12 level well maintained.

No longer Injections

We have received over numerous telephone calls and emails from patients who have been told that their surgery is no longer providing injections because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
This is extremely worrying for patients who are due, or overdue, their injection and are suffering from the symptoms of B12 Deficiency including some with neurological symptoms.
We have written to all four Ministers for Health of the constituent countries in the UK, as well as their Chief Medical Officers. We have pointed out that injections of B12 for patients with Pernicious Anaemia are not just a supplement but are needed to keep patients alive. Read more here:
Letter to Health Ministers and injections being stopped

And also please see this article for more information: Information for patients whose surgery or health centre has closed or is no longer providing injections due to Covid-19

We recommend everyone follows the NHS and government advice around reducing the risk of picking up infections, including following the latest guidance on avoiding crowded places if this becomes necessary, or coming into contact with the condition.

We recommend everyone follows the NHS and government advice about what to do if they are concerned they have come into contact with someone with the coronavirus.


It is stated that patients with long-term conditions and compromised immune systems will experience more severe symptoms if they contact the disease: “Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease” Patients with Pernicious Anaemia should follow government guidance to prevent contracting the disease. What you need to do depends on your medical situation, age and perhaps other factors. We therefore advise you to contact your doctor with any questions about your personal situation.

Full list of higher risk groups:

People at higher risk include those who are over 70, regardless of whether they have a medical condition or not, and people under 70 with any of the following underlying health conditions:

  • chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
  • chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
  • chronic kidney disease
  • chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
  • chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
  • diabetes
  • problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
  • a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
  • being seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)
  • those who are pregnant

Latest Government Guidance

Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms
Stay at home if you have either:

  • a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
  • a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
There are things you can do to help stop the coronavirus spreading:

DO

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • always wash your hands when you get home or into work
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
  • only travel on public transport if you need to
  • work from home, if you can
  • avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
  • avoid events with large groups of people
  • use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services

DON’T

  • do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
  • do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

You can find out about the number of people affected and the latest medical information here. To keep up to date with the latest developments take a look at Information for the public Members from outside the U.K. should visit their respective governments’ websites for national developments though the advice above applies to all countries.

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103 Comments

  1. Frank Hollis

    Do people with PA have a compromised immune system?

    I thought PA was caused by an over-active immune system.

    Reply
    • Joanne Gauntlett

      People with PA have a weakened immune system

      Reply
      • Clare

        I thought we had an overactive immune response, not a weakend one? I also have autoimmune thyroid disease and their advice is that is does not increase risk to Covid19? I find it all very confusing and PA isnt listed on the immune compromised lists of conditions with increased risk of complications?

        Reply
        • Liz Milne

          Is my immune system weak with this virus as im breathless somtimes and i worry if i catch it

          Reply
        • Nikkie

          Yes I am worried myself whether my pernicious anaemia is making me more susceptible to covid 19 than the next person. I work in the nhs as a medical secretary and I am worried about going back to work in case I am at risk.

          Reply
        • Mary V.

          As an autoimmune disease, my understanding is that we have weakened response to utilizing the B12 we eat because of the quality of the stomach lining. Therefore, substances introduced into the muscular system is more effective. So the vaccines should be interring the bloodstream faster making us just as well protected as everyone else. So not to worry!

          Reply
      • Linda Stewart

        My doctor has prescribed tablets as surgery not doing injections . This does concern me as when I first started having injections I asked if tablets would be an option . She said my body would not be able to absorb them . This was about 8 years ago . Why am I now being given tablets ? What’s changed ?

        Reply
        • Shirley Williams

          Hi Linda. There is new research that shows cyanocobalamin can be absorbed via the gut via diffuse absorption through the gut wall. Please try B12 patches and sprays such as BetterYou that can e purchased on Amazon and in health food shops. These are methylcobalamin and more easily absorbed. I have to use them every day. My GP sends me a phial of hydroxycobalamin when I order my repeat prescriptions and I inject it myself into the side of my thigh muscle. I was previously trained to do this. You could request the same but you must be trained to do so. Request training from their nurse via Zoom, which is free to download on your phone. You may need loading doses again as you have missed doses. Please request them if you have severe fatigue or neurological symptoms. Good Luck.

          Reply
          • Elaine

            I have PA and need B12 shots every 2 months my question is what COVID vaccine should I have?

    • Renee

      Since the immune system Is heighten it reacts to things it shouldn’t , it often becomes worn down and doesn’t have the arsenal to protect the body from actual threats.

      Reply
      • Katg

        I was prescribed Vitamin B 12 injections for low WBC of unknown cause, is this classed as a clinical high risk. I also have Asthma, MS, Hypothyroidism Pacemaker to control AF.
        I not sure what to?

        Reply
        • Eileen Carroll

          I have PA fibromyalgia osteo arthritis psoriatic arthritis multiple stomach problems including IBS in March 2019 l had pneumonia for third time in five years when should l receive the Corona vaccine thankyou

          Reply
    • Claire

      Do PA sufferers fall int the weakened immune system category please??

      Reply
      • Petra

        There’s no indication that treated PA patients have a compromised immune systems. B12 however is essential to immune health so make sure you are getting enough B12.

        Reply
        • Ann

          So if not B12 is essential to immune health it’s best to avoid the risk of COVID 19? Right?

          Reply
          • Petra

            If you are not getting any B12, it might be that your immune system is not optimal. Everyone that can avoid the risk, should do so of course.

        • L milton

          Yes I am now on the B12 tablets but I find they are not as good as the injection, my heart pounds and I’m really tired all the time. , where as when on injection I felt mush better

          Reply
      • Jh

        I’m so sick of people not understanding even the doctors in the U.K. don’t seem to see how severe this condition can be and can even take peoples lives I was sick in bed for three months and did not know I had no B12 in my body I had sores over my face I couldn’t breathe properly my heart was the regular I had pain in all my joints it affected my periods I couldn’t think I couldn’t speak I couldn’t lift my arms up cuts wouldn’t heal so many symptoms I felt sick every day my head was pounding every day it was just awful I thought I was dying and if I never had my injections I probably would of I’m currently filling out a questionnaire for work it’s asking me if I have a weekend immune system which I know that it does we can you’re a mean system I’ve also been asked if I have a neurological problem I know that my B12 causes these issues when it’s low but putting it on the form I also know that they’re not going to understand it because there’s nothing that really states that these things are linked with B12 when people that suffer with it know that it does

        Reply
        • Dee

          I know they just think oh you only need a vitamin. General doctors don’t even know the seriousness of it. It’s an autoimmune disease and can cause neurological problems for life, And it can if left untreated raise your risk of stomach cancer . Not many people know it and find out by research.. I know I had to have a gastrecto I suffered for yrs , trying to tell drs I had a deficiency of some kind telling them the same symptoms over over for years, all they did was give me iron and no tests!I now realise my mum had same thing, but never got diagnosed . She had a gastrectomy too. but no one could tell her what caused the carcinoids. I sympathise . p A can have different causes, and be controlled if just a deficiency in diet . It’s the lack of intrinsic factor . Thst we need to make b12 that causes the problems , that’s why it had to be looked at to find out the cause of the pernicious anaemia and get treated it’s like walking constantly through fog and fighting to be listens to, society’s like this are invaluable …I hope you get your injections they are what keeps us alive , ,

          Reply
    • Gail

      This may be the time for them to allow self injection, as for diabetics.

      Reply
      • Amanda

        I have been doing injections myself for years just get a nurse to show u how an then get yr prescription and easily do it yrself saves time going for appointment , good luck, I’m not a nurse but a HCA

        Reply
    • Emma connelly

      I’m only 36 and have been diagnosed with pernicious anaemia since I was 19. I’m currently 5 weeks late with my injection and I’m concerned that my immune system will be compromised. Is there any info on injections going forward. Is it possible to self administer?

      Reply
      • N.Thomas

        People who are currently denied B12 by their GP self inject , usually subcutaneously . They use insulin needles and get B12 either from the UK in bottles , or from Germany in vials .Various types of b12 are available.

        Reply
      • Genma

        I self administer I get my prescription and I get my mum who is a nurse to do the injections every three months

        Reply
        • Willette

          I’m pernicious anemia. I take a b12 shot once a month. Is pernicious anemia consider an autoimmune disease? Due to the coronavirus being out, is it safe for me to be
          at work. I work in a warehouse.

          Reply
    • Ceri

      My injection has been cancelled I get very run down a few days before injection & get ill if it is delayed. My boyfriend still has to go to work so I’m concerned.

      Reply
      • Anne Truckel

        get your doctor to give you the B12 not B complex, in tablet form to take three times a day till can get back to having jabs I have as was really ill because was a week late. im bad enough with the jabs but at least its better with something Good luck

        Reply
        • Bee

          Hi. I am due my next b12 end of April. I received a letter from my GP to say that I will have to take tablet form until we are back to normal. I am a key worker in a school but I have told work I won’t return until I am fully b12. I will be doing an isolated job away from kids and adults when I return. My worn have taken my b12 deficiency very seriously

          Reply
      • Amy

        When you have regular b12 injections, your liver stores this for up to a year – I don’t think missing an injection or two can cause an issue and I have had a letter from my GP that advises not to attend for my next 1-2 injections (3 monthly) so as to avoid exposure to COVID-19. This should not affect how you feel.

        Reply
        • Petra

          Patients with PA cannot reabsorb the B12 from ´storage´ (if there even is one, this is questionable) so missing an injection will certainly affect PA-(and ie IBD-) patients quite a lot.

          Reply
    • Pauline Howe

      I have peripheral neuropathy ,ulcerated ptocitis a large hernia .barrets oastopagus I’m on constant iron and I’m worried I’m at risk .but I’ve not been added to the government’s at risk list

      Reply
  2. Kristi

    Thank you so much for this article. I was looking for this specific information.

    Reply
    • Liz Milne

      Am i at risk as im a B12 sufferer and get short of breath and work in a warehouse with about 100 people.Could you please let me know so i can get furloughed

      Reply
  3. Vicky Taylor

    I have to have regular b12 injections at my doctors surgery, should I still go in for my injection? Or should I demand a home visit? Normally home visits are not allowed. I am also asthmatic.

    Reply
    • Petra

      This really is something you should talk to your doctor about, as each individual situation is different and we cannot advice on that. But you do need your B12, as it is also important for your immune system.

      Reply
      • Bc

        I also receive regular b12 injections and am anemic and epileptic and was told by my doctors surgery they won’t be taking any appointments and don’t no when they will be

        Reply
        • Jem

          I don’t believe they can stop your b12 injection. I had mine on Friday at my doctors.

          Reply
          • Sharon

            I live in annan Dumfriesshire and they have stopped all injections , even if they gave the perscription we could self administer but they are saying no to that also x

        • Sandra

          I am still having my B12 injection this Friday ?

          Reply
        • Jeni

          I’ve just been told the same that b12 appointments are classed as non urgent therefore will be cancelled. I’m so angry as mine is due next week. Might have to go private now

          Reply
          • George

            I was supposed to have mine at 11:30 this morning and woke up to a text saying that it had been cancelled until further notice

          • Traci

            My doctor showed me how to self inject in my thigh so I dont need to visit. Im in Ireland. Might be different depending on country

          • Bryoney

            Depends on what B12 deficiency you have. I have pernicious anemia therefore I can’t go without. I was told some can wait up to 6 months or if allowed they can get someone at home to inject them. I had mine yesterday.

          • Kay

            Hi there, I am also due my b12 injection and drs surgery said they are no longer giving appointment with nurses for this as its non urgent and you will be fine if you need to wait 6/9 months to get it. I’m trained to administer b12 as I am a hcsw but my surgery will not give me the needles to administer this myself. I’m waiting on pharmacy getting back to me.

        • Sophie

          I was also told I couldn’t my injection either. I’m
          so angry as I phoned the doctors last week to try and get it earlier as I knew the surgeries would be closing at some point and injection is due 20th March. Took me two days to get through and was then told they’d speak to a doctor and get back to me which would then take another two days. Fast forward the next week and I’m
          having to phone again as no reply and I’m
          Told no injection and nothing they can do, phone back in two weeks time to see if you can get an appointment. My aunt also has the same
          Injections and lives half hour away and her surgery told her b12 injections are classed as essential and that she is still allowed to have hers. I’m in two minds whether I should phone my surgery again?

          Reply
          • R.Collie

            Go to your aunts dr surgery with her and explain your situation.

        • Charlotte Barnett

          Hi there, I’ve also been told my injection will stop now due to Coronavirus. I’m so upset as I’m nearly 2 weeks overdue and I’m feeling the effects. Does anyone know if we can get it done privately?thank you

          Reply
        • Araba

          My doctors have said the same I was due mine on the 12th March and am starting to feel awful because I can’t get it

          Reply
        • Sadie

          I have the exact same conditions , I’m due my injection in a week but my surgery has closed and cancelled all appointments. I have no idea what to do. The NHS are sending out texts and letters this week to all those considered high risk but I’m not sure if people like us will be considered.

          Reply
          • Marisa

            Hi, just wondering if anyone has recieved any information on this. I haven’t long been diagnosed with b12 deficiency (they’ve gave me folic adic to go with that),along with vitamin d deficiency and had my first 5 injections in feb. Im due another one in may but doubt I’ll get that.. I’m a cleaner in a bank (which quite a lot of staff are working from home) but as long as there are people in the building, my manager has said it is essential for me to be there.. i find myself breathless at the best of times so im terrified of going to work incase i catch this. I dont really know what i can do, any advice would be massively appreciated xx

  4. James

    What information has been collected that shows any possible links between anemia and coronavirus from China or worldwide?

    Reply
  5. Sheila O'Neill

    I have a B12 injection every 3months. Will I still have a weakened immune system .?

    Reply
    • Tanya

      I had my B12 on Friday I get mine every 4 weeks. I an in Scotland

      Reply
      • Yvonne

        I do envy you . I must wait 12 weeks ! I love Scotland – even more now !

        Reply
      • Lesley

        Hi Tanya…you are one of the lucky ones,I got a letter this morning saying it’s getting cancelled and to phone back 7 wks from now to see if they are going to be doing them. I’m every 7wks x

        Reply
  6. Cj

    Are anemic people safe or should they be concerned?

    Reply
  7. Angela Lowe

    This is becoming very worrying.

    Reply
  8. Joy Browning

    I have also been refused an appointment for my B12 injection until after the covid-19 outbreak and am concerned that this could compromise my immune system?

    Reply
    • Wayne

      A year ago I was tired of the regular self injecting B12 (weekly to monthly) and came across research the subliminal B12 absorbs about 1% under your tongue and bypasses your gut so is absorbed. I believe trials are in progress in the UK so I started to take a subliminal B12 supplement daily and stopped the regular injections.

      Every three months I have been for blood tests to test whether it is working for me, after the test I have a B12 injection just in case to top up levels however the blood tests always come up strong for my B12 levels which means the subliminal is working to maintain levels.

      I am unsure how this will work for others and not providing any advice, just mentioning how it works for me.

      Reply
  9. Jo

    Without wishing to panic anyone….i have PA (regular B12 jabs) and under active thyroid and already my immune system attacking itself…so not a great start! If my immune is low, and I struggle to get oxygen to my lungs anyway (which does not affect me in every day life) is COVID 19 going to basically wipe me out?

    Reply
    • Jo

      Basically, are people with PA on the ‘at risk’ list. Is PA classed as a ‘respiratory disease’? Should we just self isolate or do we require Additional medical attention?

      Reply
      • Jo

        I have submitted a couple of questions previously which haven’t had a response so PLEASE could someone just tell me (as I can’t get access to my doctor) are people with PA ‘at risk’ and ‘more likely’ to be effected. Should we class PA as having an ‘underlying illness’.
        Please can someone answer this….I need to know whether I should be self isolating to prevent catching this as at the moment I’m just using Gov guidelines (washing hands etc)

        Reply
        • Petra

          The article above has been updated with the new info. Treated PA by itself is not considered a higher risk.

          Reply
        • John Child

          So I have PA which I have always understood is an immune issue which according to my GP puts me at risk of picking up more issues than not. As an immune issue I am following the 12 week isolation. This is also fuelled by my partner having Ms and being in the ‘at risk’ list. I just can’t risk either of us catching this thing. I still do not understand why pa isn’t listed directly in the guidelines but it does seem to fall under ‘immune conditions’

          Reply
  10. Aoife

    Any update on the above advice from the Society?
    Things are moving very fast in the world with the virus and surely the above advice is of date. As the UK Govt are so slow to react I’m not sure the advice above is reflective of what is actually happening.

    Reply
    • Petra

      The article above has been updated

      Reply
  11. Ju

    I’m 26 and was told recently that I’ve pernicious anemia but I’ve had anemia since I was 16 and only last week I was at my hospital appointment and I’m worried because my blood and iron levels are at there lowest I had more bloods taken to see if I need a iron infusion but I’m worried sick about this virus , has anyone had any medical advise on what to do when your like this ??

    Reply
    • C May

      Hi, I’m in the exact same boat as you, I have injections every 3 months, also my iron and folate levels are severely low 7.2 iron and it should be 14, and i am constantly getting infections in my eyes (eye styes) etc I’m thinking of my body cannot even fight off a small infection what would happen if I do get the coronavirus so I have decided to stay away from others honestly it isn’t worth risking it. I don’t think their is enough research into this to give a definitive answer because PA isn’t seen as a severe illness like other chronic illnessness.

      Reply
  12. Joanna

    I found this article that I hope might help:
    https://www.aamds.org/education/covid-19

    My daughter had a very rare PCH recently and we also worry about her immune system and Coronavirus.

    Reply
  13. ANGELA Bush

    What about access to B12 injections if the NHS becomes stretched?

    Reply
  14. ROWENA courtney

    I have been told by my doctor this morning that it is likely my b12 shot next week will not go ahead, He advised that it could possibly be given by a pharmacist or by myself but it is classed as non urgent and i should be okay for two months if it is postponed. I am concerned – my immune system is low at this point and I work with the public -also have psoriasis.

    Reply
  15. Casey

    I have my husband give me an injection every week. I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. The longest I’ve gone is 9 days before I start to have symptoms. Everyone is different. Stress can exacerbate my symptoms. Shortness of breath is one of my symptoms so I am considering myself in the high risk category as I am also 59.

    Reply
  16. Nicola Holloway

    I am currently in isolation as my Son had symptoms last week. I have PA and my jab was cancelled on Thursdsay. I am due back to work on Friday and I work in a bakery shop and come I to contact with hundreds of people a day. I am now in the position of not knowing if I could be harming myself and putting myself at a greater risk. I am classified as having an auto immune disease and have the flu jab every year. So following Government advice I should isolate for 12 weeks now. The pinned info on this page seems to contradict this . Been directed to 111 from GP and still on hold now after an hour and call dropped twice. I was even somehow directed to easy jet midcall god knows how !

    Reply
    • Shanan Woods

      Hi Nicola, I am in the same boat as you. What did you 111 advise?

      Reply
  17. DEBRA MCLAVY

    I have anaemia and take iron and folic acid tablets daily to manage this rather than have injections. I have my medication but my iron levels can still be low. I am also invited to have the flu jab every year. Am I at risk or at a higher risk of contracting this coronavirus? Do I self isolate now or do I need to wait to see if I develop symptoms?

    Reply
    • Petra

      Do yu have anaemia (due to low iron) or pernicious anaemia?

      Reply
      • DEBRA MCLAVY

        Anaemia. Managed to check with a doc who stated I wasn’t high risk but I am in an at risk group.

        Where I work is seen as being a key worker, but have no idea what this means in relation to my anaemia.

        Reply
        • Petra

          Anaemia is basically ‘just’ a symptom of something else, something that causes the anaemia. As I do not know what that is (this website is for pernicious anaemia, which is one cause of anaemia), you’ll have to rely on your doctor if you are concerned about working, or call the NHS.

          Reply
  18. Ceara

    Hi, I have PA and although I can see from the above we are not classed as ‘high risk’ I do work in a clinical environment within the NHS. Due to this as well as PA anyone have any advice on if I should be self isolating or exposing myself to possible COVID 19?

    Reply
  19. Claire Leach

    Are PA sufferers in the high risk group? Is it classed as autoimmune disorder?

    Reply
    • Petra

      Yes it is an auto-immune disease and no, PA in itself is not a high risk group if it is treated (well).

      Reply
  20. Lola

    Hey everyone, Lola from Austin, TX. I’m 35 and I was literally diagnosed with PA last week. Crazy timing.
    In the beginning (as some of you know) they aren’t sure what the underlying cause of your abnormal levels is. In my case, I happened to have been in and out of the health system for the last 2 years (gallbladder removal, seizure, then lots of follow-ups) and I recognized I was told my WBC was high 2-3 times after labs would come in over the course of 2 years. I started having brain fog, memory recall issues, eyesight problems, etc. and told my PCP all this. He ran specific labs and it turned out my WBC count was high and RBC low, along with Vit D’s. Once they identified this I had 3 months of intramuscular B12 injections and large vitamin D2 and 3 supplements. My doctor is 2 hours away from me (he’s worth it) so he prescribed my cyanocobalamin (B12) with syringes to my Austin pharmacy, and I told him I could get my fiance or myself to do them. I ended up going on YouTube to watch a few vids of people doing them, and I ended up doing it myself in my thigh. They’re no fun, but it’s vital and not that rough once you mentally get past it and learn how to do it. So after the 3 months, I just got labs again and I have PA. As some of you are discussing and questioning, PA is different than anemia caused by iron or folic acid deficiencies, because you need the B12 (cobalamin) to live. Those are the 3 essential vitamins our bodies need to function. You can also be deficient in all 3, but B12 is the one most needed to have regular body functionality. All that being said (which is just me trying to give as much background as possible for some questions I read) – if you can’t get your B12 from your doctor, I would ask if you can get the Rx sent to your pharmacy and do it yourself. This pandemic may last for months, and you may need to have your weekly/monthly doses on you, beyond just the one you need now. I’m thinking long term probabilities- ever hurts to play devil’s advocate if you know what I mean. Keep yourselves away from people as much as possible, clean your hands and take your meds as needed. God forbid this becomes bigger than it is now, we don’t know how seriously we could be affected without research behind this – and we don’t know how long we might have trouble getting our B12 injections…just a good thought to consider. Stay safe everyone!

    Reply
  21. Zowiie

    I had my last b12 injection today and they want me back in a weeks time for another blood test for a blood recount.( i only found out i was b12 defiance 3 weeks ago so I have no idea how long i’ve had this)
    Im also asthmatic and work with elderly in a residential home on a zero hour contract.

    Im 22 years old, Ive been put on trail for 2 new inhalers to see how If i get along with them and they’ll review me in a months time.

    What would you guys suggest i do?
    Because i have no idea!

    Reply
    • Petra

      Zowiie, there is no ‘last’injection, treatment is for life. Testing B12 during treatment is pretty pointless, it will be high as it should. If you have neurological symptoms you should continue with frequent injections, see the Treatment page on this site. Otherwise you should be put on a maintenance dose. As you have asthma it’s important to keep your B12 levels up. Point that also out to your doctor. Follow the government guidelines, and if you are concerned about your health call the doctor or NHS

      Reply
      • Zowiie

        I meant my last injection for the next 3 months sorry!
        Ok thanks 🙂

        Reply
        • Petra

          That is often not enough but depends on your symptoms (if neurological or not). If you are doing well, it might be, although 2 months would be preferable.

          Reply
          • Zowiie

            Ah okay! Ive only recently been diagnosed with b12 deficiency about 3 weeks I’ve known about it but never knew i had it, i went to my doctor for one problem and came back with b12. She did say i looked pale haha and each week she took my weight i lost 0.4kg every time i went.
            I have another blood test next week to recount my blood count so i will ask then! Thank you:)

  22. Cherri Brown

    I have been told that you should get B12 tablets for the time being as it’s better than having nothing at alll. You can ask your GP to prescribe them or buy them from Holland And Barratt and places like that. It would only be temporary until they allow jabs again.

    Reply
  23. Michael L

    Hi

    I’ve been self-treating with B12 for 12 months now (now 24) as my doctor’s ignored me for years.
    having had symptoms from age 16-23 (7 Years) which progressed to neurological symptoms, peripheral neuropathy and spinal pain before I began treatment.

    I also have asthma and have had recurrent Glandular Fever since age 19.
    (I’m also a smoker – but am quitting now!!)

    Do you think I am at risk of complications if I were to catch Covid-19?
    Do you think my doctor would agree that I am at risk? and should self-isolate

    Obviously I will try to contact my doctor, but that is not going to be easy at this time!

    Thanks

    Reply
  24. I

    I have pernicious anemia and I’m a teacher going to look after key workers children.
    I’m
    Worried that I don’t have protection wear, like nhs staff and how this will effect me with this Illness.
    Concerned that I also will not get my injections!

    Reply
  25. Jo-Ann

    Please don’t think that b12 tablets will help at all!!! The main reason for PA is the inability to produce the enzyme (intrinsic factor) that enables the digestive system to extract b12 from food. That is why we have injections. My gp called me today to rearrange my injection by 2 days due to staffing problems. So no signs of them being stopped here.

    Reply
    • Petra

      There are some supplements that certainly can help and/or work. Sublinguals for example bypass the stomach and therefore do not need intrinsic factor. Many people use them in addition to injections (in between) and some can even manage well with just sublinguals. In a time like this when injections might not be possible for all (glad to hear you are still getting them), these supplements can help people get at least some B12, which is the most important thing now.

      Reply
  26. GJ

    I did manage to get my last B12 injection and have an appointment again for 4 weeks time. But I felt unhappy at having to go to the surgery full of sick people when I am supposed to be in lockdown (age, medical issues), It would really make sense to teach us how to self-inject.

    Reply
  27. Lisa

    I have never actually had it confirmed that I have pernicious anaemia or not. Just know that a few years ago that I was getting really tired and headaches and they found my b12 levels low. I had the 5 injections spread over a few weeks, then waited and another blood test. Which was low again. So since then have had b12 injections every 3 months. However they never did any tests to see what was the cause. Last year I had a doctor do the injection rather than a nurse (just due to what appointment I could get) and asked him about it. He said it might be a good idea to miss an injection and then have a blood test before the next to see what my levels are.

    Now I am due to have my injection on Thursday, which so far hasn’t been cancelled. However I’m unsure of what is the bigger risk. Going for the injection or missing it. I don’t really feel any different before or after an injection. More important to my symptoms are the multivitamins that I take each day. If i miss them for a couple of days or so then I will start to get very tired. However I have never missed a b12 injection in the last few years so don’t know if I will be worse after a few weeks.

    So my question is does anyone have any idea what would be a bigger risk? Going to the doctors full of sick people at this time, or skipping the injection. I also have an ectopic heartbeat (is listed under the at risk groups) so am going to be staying indoors until this is all over. I also have my elderly mother living with me. So really don’t want to risk getting the virus and passing it to her.

    Reply
  28. Mat

    Does anyone know where I can buy Sublinguals from in the UK? That is still open/operating. From a search found a few sites but have no idea if they are still open.

    Reply
    • Petra

      Amazon has several good ones. Holland and Barrett have solgar methyl. I just ordered from the US (iHerb) and that also works.

      Reply
      • Mat

        Thanks. Any recommendation for what the best ones are on Amazon? Normally have injections but my appointment was cancelled.

        Reply
  29. Roddy

    I was told vitamin b12 injections not urgent by my local surgery in Annan !
    I trake medication for heart failure too !

    Reply
  30. Yvette

    Hi,
    I have PA with injections every 10 weeks and Asthma where I’m on a blue inhaler and Seretide. However new guidance as of today means I’m not classed as high risk to shield as I don’t take regular oral steroids. Can someone please advise if the two conditions together would be classed as high risk as my employer is only focusing on my asthma and is now stating that I may have to resume visits with vulnerable adults (Adults Social Worker). To make matters worse our Local Authority has very little PPE gear so it’s not even clear if I’d be protected when visiting. Please any advice would be appreciated as I have two children to think about.

    Reply
  31. alison janyckyj

    my doctor seems to think that having Pernicious Anaemia is nothing and i should just follow guide lines and go to work well thats the way he came across when i spoke to him on the phone

    Reply
  32. Dave

    Just looked at the recommendations in Scotland for self isolating for 3 months and having a rare disease is one of them, p.a is a rare disease so does this mean we have to self isolate for this period? personally I am doing it with barretts, high blood pressure and arthritis as well , I’d rather be safe and if no one likes it my doc will quite happily write them a letter, not enough study done for anyone to state facts about covid 19 and p.a if you ask me, I’m in Scotland.

    Reply
  33. Lyn

    I am wondering if Astrazeneca and/or Covishield vaccines are safe for people with PA? va

    Reply

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