https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/12/27/coronaviru
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As the U.S. coronavirus vaccine rollout starts to move into nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the CDC has issued new COVID-19 vaccination guidance for adults with underlying medical conditions.
The mRNA coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna 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 vaccine’s ingredients, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday.
The CDC further gave guidance for people who have weakened immune systems, along with people who have autoimmune conditions. The agency warned about the limited safety data.
“People with HIV and those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medication might be at increased risk for severe COVID-19. They may receive a COVID-19 vaccine,” the CDC wrote. “However, they should be aware of the limited safety data.
“Information about the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for people who have weakened immune systems in this group is not yet available,” the CDC added. “People living with HIV were included in clinical trials, though safety data specific to this group are not yet available at this time.”
People with weakened immune systems could also have reduced immune responses to the vaccine, the CDC said. Those who decide to get vaccinated should continue to follow all current guidance to protect themselves against COVID-19 after the shot, the agency added.
People with autoimmune conditions also may receive an mRNA coronavirus vaccine, the CDC said.
“However, they should be aware that no data are currently available on the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for them,” the CDC added.
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The allergic reaction warning about the vaccine’s ingredients comes in the wake of some people experiencing severe allergic reactions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The rare severe allergic reactions could be tied to a chemical called polyethylene glycol, which is found in both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
A Boston oncology doctor with a shellfish allergy experienced a severe allergic reaction after he received Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine last week.
On Monday, long-term care facilities in Massachusetts will begin to ramp up their vaccination programs. CVS Health will start to administer COVID-19 vaccines at 1,995 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the Bay State, where residents have been hard hit by the pandemic.