The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said those with preexisting health conditions are more at risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19.
A mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can be given to individuals with theses conditions if they “have not had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine," according to an APhA press release.
The CDC recommends that individuals with preexisting health conditions follow all guidelines to help protect them against the coronavirus. These guidelines include wearing a mask and social distancing even if they have already received a vaccination.
"People with HIV or weakened immune systems due to other conditions may receive a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the guidance, though CDC noted that information about safety of the vaccines for individuals with weakened immune systems is not available yet. Clinical trials included those with HIV, but 'safety data specific to this group are not yet available at this time,' the guidance states," APhA said in its press release.
According the APhA release, the CDC said those with weakened immune systems should also be prepared for their immune systems to respond differently to the vaccination than those with healthy immune systems.
“People with weakened immune systems should also be aware of the potential for reduced immune responses to the vaccine, as well as the need to continue following all current guidance to protect themselves against COVID-19,” the CDC said, according to the APhA press release.
The CDC's guidance also gives recommendations for those with autoimmune conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and Bell’s palsy.
The CDC also estimates that approximately two million individuals have received the first does of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the press release.
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