By Zachary Frey, MLH Medical Director of Primary Care Services
Two approved vaccines (both vaccines have been shown to be about 95% effective at preventing COVID-19 illness after the second dose)
- Pfizer-BioNTech: ages ≥16 years
- Moderna: ages ≥18 years
Co-administration with other vaccines:
- The vaccine series should routinely be administered alone, with a minimum interval of 14 days before or after administration with any other vaccine (such as flu vaccine).
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Fertility
- Given the mechanism of action and the excellent safety profile of the vaccine in nonpregnant individuals, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are not thought to cause an increased risk in pregnancy and breastfeeding, or any risk to future fertility.
- Currently, there is limited data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant individuals, however ongoing studies are encouraging. In original vaccine trials, 52 participants incidentally became pregnant after receiving the vaccine. There was no significant difference between placebo vs vaccine group in regards to pregnancy or complication rates. All participants in the vaccine group carried to term without complications to mom or baby.
- Pregnant people with COVID-19 have an increased risk of severe illness, including illness resulting in intensive care admission, mechanical ventilation or death. Additionally, some increased in adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends COVID-19 vaccines should be offered to pregnant and lactating individuals when they meet criteria for receipt based on vaccine prioritization groups.
Immunocompromised & Autoimmune Disorders
- There is no live component in the vaccine to put these individuals at any theoretical increased risk to vaccination.
- These individuals are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease, and vaccination is highly recommended.
What about patients with other allergic reactions (including severe allergic reactions)
- No extra precautions necessary for patients with history of allergic reactions to noninjectable therapies such as foods (including eggs and peanuts), pets, environmental allergies, latex, or oral medications.
Precautions (still ok to proceed with vaccine)
- Personal history of any immediate allergic reaction to any other vaccine or injectable therapy (i.e., intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous vaccines or therapies not related to a component of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines or polysorbate).
- All vaccine sites are prepared to handle allergic reactions and patients are monitored after administration.
Why you may not want the vaccine
- The only true contraindication is a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components (including polyethylene glycol [PEG], polysorbate, or other)
Sources
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)