As the launch of the coronavirus vaccine in the US begins to move into nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the CDC has issued new COVID-19 vaccination guidelines for adults with underlying medical conditions.
Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus mRNA vaccines can be given to people with underlying medical conditions, as long as the person has not had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday. .
The CDC also provided guidance for people with weakened immune systems, along with people with autoimmune diseases. The agency warned of limited security data.
“People with HIV and those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medications may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19. They can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, ”wrote the CDC. “However, they must be aware of the limited safety data.
“Information on the safety of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for people with weakened immune systems in this group is not yet available,” added the CDC. “People living with HIV have been included in clinical trials, although specific safety data for this group is not yet available at this time.”
People with weakened immune systems may also have reduced immune responses to the vaccine, said the CDC. Those who decide to get vaccinated should continue to follow all current guidelines to protect themselves against COVID-19 after the injection, the agency added.
People with autoimmune diseases may also receive a coronavirus mRNA vaccine, said the CDC.
“However, they should be aware that there is currently no data available on the safety of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for them,” added the CDC.
The allergic reaction alert about the ingredients of the vaccine comes in the wake of some people who have severe allergic reactions after receiving the vaccine COVID-19. The rare serious allergic reactions can be associated with a chemical called polyethylene glycol, which is found in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
A Boston cancer doctor with a seafood allergy experienced a severe allergic reaction after receiving Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine last week.
On Monday, long-term care institutions in Massachusetts will begin to intensify their vaccination programs. CVS Health will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to 1,995 qualified nurses and assisted living facilities in Bay State, where residents have been hit hard by the pandemic.