A WOMAN from Colchester says she sobbed when she was told she was not eligible for the Covid vaccine despite having severe asthma.

In February, NHS England wrote to GPs to set out who falls into group six and said this included “anyone who has ever had an emergency asthma admission”.

But Sonja Chenier, 47, from Colchester says she has been refused a jab despite three hospital admissions in the past 15 years.

She also takes multiple medications daily for her asthma.

She said her GP surgery had told her she was not eligible for the vaccination yet because her hospital admissions were not in the past year.

Talking to the BBC she said: “I was really shocked and so upset I put the phone down and sobbed.

“I’m due to go back to work in schools next week and I’m absolutely scared witless.

“I’d just like some clear clarification on where the ‘within the last 12 months’ criteria has come from.”

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Asthma UK said there is widespread confusion over the guidance for who should be in priority group six.

It said some GPs appeared to say only those with recent hospital admission – rather than any history of admission – should be included.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance for group six says anyone with asthma that has resulted in admission to hospital should be given a vaccination, alongside those who have had three tablet or liquid steroid prescriptions over a three-month period.

People with asthma who were shielding have already been vaccinated in group four, while those with milder asthma must wait for a jab according to their age.

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, said: “We know that there are different interpretations of the official guidance from GP surgery staff and we’re not sure why exactly this is happening.

“But it’s essential that GPs follow official guidance, so that people with asthma who need to be prioritised are protected now.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “Based on clinical risk, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended that adults with severe asthma should be vaccinated in priority group six.

“This includes anyone who has ever had an emergency asthma admission to hospital and those who require regular steroids.

“Mild asthma, including that which can be treated by an inhaler alone, has not been found to carry a higher risk of serious outcomes from Covid-19.”