COVID-19 resources for MPN patients - MPN Alliance Australia

This page provides a collection of articles, frequently asked questions and interviews with international MPN specialist haematologists and immunologists about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments.

If you are looking for MPN specific information rather than COVID related, resources are available HERE.

ATAGI advice on COVID vaccinations – March 2024

In March 2024, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) released its most recent update regarding COVID vaccinations. This advice provides guidance on who should consider receiving an additional dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in 2024. Full details refer to specific categories of Australians and are available HERE. If you are unsure about your risks or eligibility, we advise you to seek further advice from your GP or haematologist.

Updated eligibility for COVID antivirals as of April 2023

All Australians aged over 70 who test positive to COVID are able to access antivirals on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). People aged over 18 who test positive for COVID and are moderately to severely immunocompromised, may now also be eligible for antiviral treatments. This includes patients with blood cancer.
This is important because COVID-19 can be very serious for adults in high-risk groups, even when they are fully vaccinated. Information about antiviral treatments and their eligibility criteria are available HERE.

Other COVID important findings from Australia and overseas

As of April 2023, from quality evidence based sources, we have noted the following important findings relating to COVID-19 and MPN patients.

It is recommended that MPN patients be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with all the ATAGI approved booster doses.
MPN patients are eligible for COVID antivirals. Patients with myelofibrosis (MF) must also continue their ruxolitinib treatment. However patients on ruxolitinib are able to take only certain antivirals so will need to check with their haematologist as to which antivirals are suitable.
As noted above, for MPN patients on ruxolitinib therapy who have a COVID-19 diagnosis, strong advice is that ruxolitinib treatment should continue during treatment for COVID-19.
Vaccinated MPN patients should continue to follow COVID-19 safe protocols, including following risk mitigation strategies (wearing a good quality mask and social distancing) and having family and household contacts vaccinated, although antibody responses from MPN patients to COVID-19 vaccines are reportedly effective.