Howdy Folks! I attended a discussion w/ @CDCgov medical officers on the Pfizer-BioNTech #CovidVaccine Here are a few answers to some common q'ns:

1. Should patients receive special info before getting the vaccine?

--> FDA Fact Sheet for Recipients & Caregivers (1/8)

2. Can pregnant women get the vaccine?

--> While clinical trials didn't include pregnant/lactating women, experts agree the virus is likely worse than infx w/ COVID. If you're pregnant/breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about getting the #covid19 vaccine. (2/8)

3. Can pts w/ an autoimmune disease get the vaccine?

-->Yes, should be offered, even though we don’t currently have efficacy data. But CDC will continue to collect info; clinical trials did include autoimmune pts, and cytokine surge was not seen in response to vaccination (3/8)

4. Any specific recommendations for people w/ #HIV based on CD4 and viral load?

--> No, people w/ HIV/AIDS are included in pts w/ immunocompromised states for whom the vaccine is recommended (4/8)

5. Should people who've already had COVID get the vaccine?

--> Yes, as we don't have evidence for long-term immunity from infection. (Duration of immunity from vaccine also not known but this data is being collected) (5/8)

6. Should people w/ a history of #anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) get the vaccine?

--> Precaution advised; talk to your doctor for a risk-benefit assessment. Note, the 2 people in the UK who experienced anaphylaxis had a history of anaphylaxis (6/8)

7. Can people w/ history of anaphylaxis to non-medications (e.g. shellfish, pollen, latex) get the vaccine?

--> Yes, no special precautions or contraindications. (7/8)

8. If I get the vaccine, do I still need to #WearAMask & practice #PhysicalDistancing?

--> Yes! The vaccines risk of serious illness. But unsure how well they'll transmission of virus.

For more info, go to @US_FDA and @CDCgov

Be safe! (8/8)

#StrongerTogether