CDC Now Allows the COVID-19 Vaccine for People With Underlying Conditions

   By Yehudit Garmaise

   Although initially, healthcare workers, residents and staff members of nursing homes, and some first responders, such as firefighters were prioritized in the initial distributions of the COVID-19 vaccines, last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added more first responders, such as emergency medical technicians and essential frontline workers, such as teachers, and people 75 and older as eligible for the coronavirus vaccine.  

   Yesterday, however the CDC issued a new guidance that allows people of ages with underlying health conditions to receive vaccines that prevent COVID-19 infection.

   The CDC’s guidance explains that the vaccine may be administered to “adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions” because they are at increased risks for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, the CDC’s website says. 

  Before taking the COVID-19 vaccine, however, people with underlying medical conditions should ensure that they have never had a severe allergic reaction to any of the vaccine’s ingredients.

   The CDC also explained that limited safety data is available on the vaccine’s effect on people with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medication, but they may also now take the vaccine.

   Although patients with autoimmune conditions may take the vaccine, no data has yet ensured the safety of the vaccine for that population.

   Other patients who may take the vaccine are those with Guillain-Barré syndrome, Bell’s palsy, HIV, and other underlying conditions.

    The final trial data on the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vacccines revealed them both to have a roughly 95% efficacy rate in preventing COVID-19, although for patients who are older than 65, Moderna’s efficacy rate drops to 86%.

    Both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines require two doses that are administered several weeks apart.

   As of yesterday, the CDC reported that nearly 2 million people have received their first doses of coronavirus vaccines, however, the CDC continues to recommend that everyone continue to follow the coronavirus health and safety protocols, such as mask-wearing, practicing social distancing, and avoiding crowds.

Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office