The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines, indicating that those who already have medical conditions should receive the vaccine.
‘Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for serious diseases due to the virus that causes COVID-19,’ the CDC wrote in an updated guide on December 26, adding that ‘mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can be administered to humans. with underlying medical conditions, provided they have not had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. ‘
The two different vaccines currently being administered to Americans use mRNA technology, which tells the body to create antibodies to fight the virus, instead of using an attenuated version of the virus. The two vaccines contain the one developed by Pfizer and the German biotechnology company, BioNTech, and the other developed by Moderna.
The CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine update provides guidance for those with various medical conditions, including weakened immune systems, autoimmune conditions, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and Bell’s palsy.
As the CDC notes, people with HIV and weakened immune systems ‘may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19 due to other diseases or medications.’ The CDC states that these people should receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but notes that ‘information on the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines’ is not yet available for this group.
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“People living with HIV have been included in clinical trials, although safety data specific to this group is not yet available,” the CDC said.
The CDC provides similar guidelines for those with autoimmune conditions, stating that this group should receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but adds that “they should be aware that there are currently no data available on the safety of mRNA COVID -19 vaccines for them. “
According to the CDC, so far no cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome have been reported after someone received a COVID-19 vaccine during clinical trials and people who previously had GBS had to receive the vaccine.
On Dec. 17, the Food and Drug Administration reported cases of Bell’s palsy in people who received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines during clinical trials. Bell’s disability is a temporary paralysis in the face, but according to the CDC’s updated guidance, it says the FDA is not considering it. [cases] to be above the rate expected in the general population. “
“They did not conclude that these cases were caused by vaccination. Therefore, individuals who have had Bell’s paralysis may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine,” the CDC said.
The CDC’s updated guidelines also state that people, even after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, must follow current guidelines to fight the virus. Current guidelines include wearing a protective face mask while in public, measures to distance oneself socially, wash hands, and follow the guidance of quarantine after being exposed to the virus.
The updated guidelines come as the CDC and many other health authorities said those with pre-existing medical conditions were at increased risk of developing serious cases of the new virus.
Newsweek reached the CDC for comment, but did not respond in time for publication.