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