Communicating About COVID-19 Vaccination

(Updated August 17, 2021)

COVID-19 vaccines currently available for use either have an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA; in the U.S.) or an Interim Order (Canada). See our chart, COVID-19 Vaccines, for a comparison of available COVID-19 vaccines. The FAQ below answers common questions your patients may have about COVID-19 vaccination and includes talking points and strategies to address COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions.

Question

Answer/Pertinent Information

COVID-19 vaccines are being approved more rapidly than other vaccines. How can you reassure patients about this expedited approval process?

COVID vaccines have been developed at a more rapid pace than what is normally seen with other vaccines. This does NOT mean safety steps have been skipped.34 The development process has been expedited because of the pandemic (e.g., early funding to ramp up manufacturing, overlapping phases of trials).34

  • Operation Warp Speedb (U.S.) and International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA [Canada]) are helping ensure the rapid development process still adheres to safety and efficacy standards.11,28

COVID-19 vaccines are going through the same RIGOROUS approval process as other approved vaccines. Data are reviewed/analyzed by independent experts (i.e., not scientists employed by the manufacturer). The independent reviewer recommendations are then presented to the approving agency (e.g., FDA, Health Canada).50

Reassure patients that COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority.21,27 COVID-19 vaccines are being studied through phased testing to ensure safety and efficacy before they are made available to the public.

  • Safety monitoring is ongoing. Explain that in addition to standard monitoring (e.g., vaccine adverse event reporting system [VAERS]) additional monitoring is being done.
    • For example, in the U.S., V-SAFEa is a new smartphone-based healthcare checker to use after vaccination. It will use CDC text messages and web-based surveys to check in with recipients of a COVID-19 vaccine.17

Which patients were excluded from early COVID-19 vaccine trials?

Some early COVID-19 vaccine trials’ exclusion criteria included:

  • acutely ill or febrile
  • known history of SARS-CoV-2 infection or use of investigational meds to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection
  • bleeding disorders involving contraindications to IM injections
  • immunosuppression (e.g., HIV, active hepatitis B or C infection, receiving cytotoxic therapy or systemic steroids for cancer or autoimmune disease)

Some of the COVID vaccines are utilizing new types of technology. How can you reassure patients these newer vaccines are safe?

Many COVID-19 vaccines are new types of vaccines (e.g., messenger ribonucleic acid [mRNA], viral vectors).22,35

  • Explain to patients how COVID-19 vaccines work.22,35,73
    • mRNA vaccines (e.g., mRNA-1273 [Moderna], BNT162b2 mRNA [Pfizer/BioNTech]) give our cells a blueprint for how to make a piece of a SARS-CoV-2 “spike” protein (note this piece of the SARS-Co-V-2 “spike protein” is harmless to the vaccine recipient). This triggers an immune response. Once the blueprint is delivered, the messenger (mRNA) is broken down.
    • Vector vaccines (e.g., ChAdOx1-S [AstraZeneca], Ad26.COV2.S [Janssen; J&J]) use a weakened version (e.g., non-replicating, modified) of a different live virus with a viral vector (genetically inserted material from COVID-19). The virus used poses no threat of causing illness in humans because of the modification or because the type of virus cannot cause disease in humans. The viral vector teaches the vaccinated person’s body to build cells to fight COVID-19.
  • Explain that available COVID-19 vaccines do NOT contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus.22,35,73
  • Reassure patients that available COVID-19 vaccines do NOT affect a person’s genetic material (DNA).6,22,73
  • Reassure patients that scientists have been studying mRNA and viral vector vaccines for >15 years.34,73 Even though COVID-19 vaccines will be the first mRNA and viral vector vaccines to come to market, it is not new science.

What are some talking points to use with patients who may be hesitant to get vaccinated for COVID-19?

Remind patients about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination may:16

  • reduce illness severity if you become infected with COVID-19.
  • protect friends, family, co-workers, and close contacts from getting COVID-19.
  • allow people to start doing more (e.g., eating at restaurants, gathering with others who are vaccinated without masks.)

Explain that the COVID-19 vaccine is one important tool in the toolbox to end the pandemic.16

  • Social distancing and masks reduce the chance of exposure to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.16
  • Vaccination gets your immune system ready to fight COVID-19 infection if exposed.16
  • Vaccination is also an important step in the development of herd immunity.20
    • Herd immunity is when it is unlikely that a bacteria or virus can spread and cause disease because a large enough proportion of people are protected or considered immune.20 More data are needed to know how many people need to be protected to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.20 Some predict that about 75% to 80% of the U.S. population would need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.32
    • Caution patients that relying on natural immunity to achieve herd immunity to COVID-19 would mean hundreds of millions of people would have to recover from COVID-19; and during the time it would take for that many to recover, many more people could experience COVID-19 complications or death.51

Encourage vaccination as the safer path toward immunity.

  • There is no way to predict COVID-19 infection severity for anyone, and infections can be fatal.4,12,16
  • COVID-19 infection has been associated with long-term consequences, even in young healthy people (e.g., lung, heart, and memory problems; mood changes; kidney damage).4,5
  • Tell patients that we don’t know how long natural immunity (antibodies from exposure to the virus through infection) or vaccine-induced immunity (antibodies from vaccination) lasts.3 Natural immunity varies in duration. Explain that limited vaccine data suggests vaccine-induced immunity may last longer.46

What age groups should receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine:  authorized for ages ≥12 years.68,69

Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD  (Canada only), and Janssen/J&J vaccines:  authorized for ages ≥18 years.49,69,81

Generally, children outside of these authorized age groups should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine.49,69

What do we know about safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine in children?

As of May 10, 2021, only the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine is authorized for use in adolescents as young as 12 years old.69,105 Compared to people 16 to 25 years old, adolescents receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine seem to:103,105

  • mount a non-inferior immune response after two doses.
    • There were no cases of symptomatic COVID-19 in people who received the vaccine, compared to 16 cases of COVID-19 in patients who received the placebo.
  • experience similar side effects (with the exception of an increased risk for syncope in adolescents [common in this age group after receiving any vaccine]).

Encourage vaccination in eligible adolescents. Children and teens can get COVID-19, including severe cases and complications of COVID-19 (e.g., "long-haul" COVID, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children [MIS-C]).75,93

  • About one-third of hospitalized children with COVID-19 require care in the intensive care unit (ICU).72
  • More than half of children who had COVID-19, still have at least one symptom lasting ≥120 days.93

Trials are ongoing or planned in children (e.g., six months to 11 years old) and adolescents (e.g., 12 to 17 years old) for all authorized vaccines.102

Follow laws and regulations regarding parental consent for childhood vaccination. In the U.S. state-specific minor consent laws can be found at https://www.vaxteen.org/consent-laws-by-state.

What do we know about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines against COVID-19 variants?

Data suggest that currently available COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants (including B.1.617.2 [Delta variant from India]).110

However, variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are continuing to emerge.110 Studies are ongoing to assess the need for booster doses or “second-generation” vaccines to continue to provide protection.111

  • “Mixed-series” vaccinations (using an mRNA vaccine and a viral vector vaccine) are being evaluated.112
    • Though more data is needed to confirm, the theory behind a using “mixed-series” vaccinations is that it may lead to a stronger immune response than two doses of the same vaccine.112,123

What are the expected short-term adverse effects with COVID-19 vaccination?

Be transparent that patients may experience short-term adverse effects after vaccination (i.e., don’t downplay these). For other two-dose vaccines, this has been helpful to ensure patients return for their second dose (e.g., Shingrix vaccine).52

  • Note that younger patients may be more likely than older patients to experience side effects.41
  • Explain that most patients can expect mild to moderate injection-site pain or soreness (redness and swelling are significantly less common).15,18,33,41
    • About a week after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, some patients may notice “COVID arm” (large localized area of redness; may be tender or warm). COVID arm is a sign of immune system overdrive. Reassure patients this usually goes away in a few days. Encourage completion of the vaccine series. Cold compresses can be used for symptomatic relief. Consider using the other arm for the second dose.94
  • Many patients will experience systemic reactions, within about two days of vaccination. These usually go away within a day or two.33 This is a normal response to a vaccine and means the body is building antibodies to prevent infection. Systemic adverse effects may be more likely with the second dose.7,41,55
  • Example systemic reactions and frequency over placebo with the BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna), and ChAdOx1-S vaccine (AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD [Canada]) vaccines:1,41,79
    • fatigue/malaise/headache: 10% to 24% (first dose); 10% to 45% (second dose)
    • fever/chills: <20% (first dose); 10% to 20% (fever; second dose); 20% to 42% (chills; second dose)
    • myalgia/arthralgia: ≤30% (first dose); 5% to 35% (second dose)
  • Example systemic reactions and frequency over placebo with the Ad26.COV2.S Janssen/J&J vaccine are fatigue/malaise/headache (~20%), fever/chills (<15%), and myalgia/arthralgia (≤30%).61,81,82 
  • Syncope or fainting has been reported after nearly all vaccines (not just COVID-19 vaccines).  Though there were reports of syncope after receiving the Janssen/J&J vaccine, the CDC was not able to identify any safety concerns.42

Temporary post-vaccination lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes in neck or underarm) after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may lead to unnecessary breast biopsies. See https://www.nccn.org/docs/default-source/covid-19/2021_covid-19_vaccination_guidance_v2-0.pdf for guidance on breast imaging after vaccination and administering vaccine to patients with cancer.88-90

What can patients do to minimize expected vaccine adverse effects?

Help patients reduce and prepare for adverse effects. For example:

  • CDC and Health Canada support use of antipyretic or analgesic meds (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) AFTER VACCINATION TO TREAT SYMPTOMS from a COVID-19 vaccine. However, routine use of prophylactic acetaminophen before or after vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended until we know more about the impact on immunogenicity.49,69
  • Suggest that patients get vaccinated when they will have a few days to rest and recover (i.e., on a Friday if they don’t work weekends). Similarly, healthcare facilities may want to stagger staff vaccinations in order to minimize personnel shortages in case people are unable to work for a day or two after vaccination.29

Have there been serious or unusual adverse effects from COVID-19 vaccination?

Serious adverse effects from COVID-19 vaccination seem extremely rare. But it takes time and large numbers of people getting vaccinated before we may know more about possible adverse effects. Safety monitoring will continue even after a COVID-19 vaccine is approved.4

  • If a safety issue is identified, it will be evaluated to see if it is related to the vaccine.4 For example:
    • Bell’s palsy was noted more often in vaccinated patients than those who received a placebo in COVID-19 vaccine trials. However, the rate was NOT more than is expected in the general population and they have NOT concluded these cases were caused by vaccination. Patients who have previously had Bell’s palsy may receive a COVID-19 vaccine.1,8,70
    • Transverse myelitis was noted in an ChAdOx1-S (AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD viral vector vaccine) trial. Monitoring for neurologic events will continue and will be provided to experts for review.44
    • Myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported almost exclusively after an mRNA vaccine.119,122  In the U.S. these cases have typically occurred after the second dose, been mild, resolved with medications, and are seen in male adolescents and young adults (e.g., ≥16 years old).119  Cases in Canada were seen more commonly after the first dose, seem more evenly distributed between males and females, and cover a wider age range.122  No clear association of myocarditis and pericarditis has been established with COVID-19 vaccines.122  Reports will continue to be investigated.119,122

There have been reports of severe allergic reactions, including possible anaphylaxis, after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, Janssen/J&J).45,47,58,76,82,91 Anaphylaxis is a known, but rare side effect with any vaccine.45,76

  • In U.S. studies, anaphylaxis due to vaccination is rare.45 In U.S. studies, 0.63% (Pfizer/BioNTech) or 1.5% (Moderna) of vaccinated patients versus 0.51% (Pfizer/BioNTEch) or 1.1% (Moderna) of placebo patients reported possible allergic reactions.1,8 Initial numbers after authorization in the U.S. suggest an anaphylaxis rate with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to be 11.1 cases per million doses.45

A history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is NOT a contraindication. As of July 2021:70,82

  • no cases of GBS have been reported after vaccination with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in clinical trials.70
  • approximately 100 cases of suspected GBS in patients who received the Janssen/J&J COVID-19 vaccine are being evaluated.124 The Janssen/J&J COVID-19 EUA fact sheet includes a warning about increased risk of GBS within 42 days of vaccination.82

There are reports of rare blood clots occurring along with a low platelet count (e.g., cerebral venous sinus thrombosis [CVST]) after receiving a dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (authorized in Canada) and Janssen/J&J (authorized in the U.S.) vaccines.97,99  It’s being referred to as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).98  However, the risk of clotting is much higher with SARS-CoV-2 infection.95

  • Some of these cases involved bleeding or were fatal.97,99,100
  • These rare blood clots along with low platelets may require different treatment than typical blood clots.  An immune response to the vaccine may promote clotting, similar to what occurs with autoimmune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).  Treating with heparin or low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) can be dangerous, unless HIT has been ruled out.100
    • Only treat these rare clots and associated thrombocytopenia with heparin or LMWH if heparin-induced platelet antibody testing is negative.100
    • If HIT results are positive or not available, work with hematology as IV immune globulin may be used.100
  • AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine (authorized in Canada):
    • 46 confirmed cases in Canada (as of June 4, 2021).57  Estimates from the United Kingdom suggest a risk of about four cases for every 1 million people who are vaccinated.57
    • Most cases have been after the first dose and have been seen in males.122
  • Janssen/J&J COVID-19 vaccine:19,25,98
    • 15 reported cases in U.S. out of more than 8 million doses given post-clinical trials (as of April 23, 2021).98 As of June 11, 2021, no cases have been reported in Canada.122
    • Most cases occurred within 15 days of vaccination in females <50 years old98 (one case during clinical trials in a male).14  This translates to a risk of about 2 cases/million doses overall, 7 cases/million doses in females <50 years old, and <1 case/million doses in females ≥50 years old.98
  • Encourage patients who develop symptoms suggestive of blood clots or low platelets after receiving Janssen/J&J COVID-19 vaccine or the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine (Canada), especially within three weeks of vaccination, to seek medical care right away.  Symptoms can include:97,98
    • symptoms of a blood clot (e.g., shortness of breath, abdominal pain, leg pain, redness, warmth, or swelling)
    • neurologic symptoms (e.g., severe headache, blurred vision) 
    • new or easy bruising 
    • petechiae (tiny red spots on the skin) 
What are contraindications or precautions to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?

Contraindications to a COVID-19 vaccine includes:10,38,49,58,69,79,80

  • history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a dose of the same type of COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., mRNA, viral vector).
    • Patients who experience anaphylaxis after an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should NOT receive any other mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
    • Patients who experience anaphylaxis after a viral vector COVID-19 vaccine should NOT receive any other viral vector COVID-19 vaccine.
  • history of an immediate allergic reaction of any severity within four hours (e.g., wheezing, hives) to:
    • a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
    • any component of the vaccine such as:
      • polyethylene glycol (PEG) (an ingredient in mRNA vaccines)
      • polysorbate (potentially cross-reactive with PEG and an ingredient in viral vector vaccines)
  • A contraindication to an mRNA vaccine is a precaution to a viral vector vaccine (and vice versa).
  • Consider referrals to an allergist-immunologist with the following precautions to COVID-19 vaccination:49,69 (In the U.S. consider using the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment [CISA] consultation by phone or online. Details can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/cisa/index.html.)
    • People with a contraindication to an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine have a precaution against viral vector COVID-19 vaccines (and vice versa).
      • If one type of COVID-19 vaccine is given (despite precautions) because of a contraindication to the other type of COVID-19 vaccine:47,49,69
        • give the COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after a dose of the contraindicated COVID-19 vaccine (if one was given).
        • obtain informed consent (Canada).

Other precautions to be aware of specific to the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines include:

  • Patients with a history of rare blood clots associated with a low platelet count or HIT should only receive the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine if the benefit outweighs the risk.79,96
  • Patients with a history of major venous or arterial clots with thrombocytopenia after the first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine should not receive a second dose.79,96

How long should patients be monitored after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?

Monitor patients receiving a COVID-19 vaccine for 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to anything, an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a vaccine or injectable medication, or have a contraindication to the other type of COVID-19 vaccine.47,49,69

Monitor all other patients for 15 minutes after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine(including patients with a history of severe allergies to foods, pets, latex, and oral medications [excluding oral med allergies that are related to polysorbate or PEG]).47,49,69

What are long-term safety concerns with COVID-19 vaccination?

More time and data are needed to assess long-term safety of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Is the single-dose viral vector COVID-19 vaccine as effective as two-dose COVID-19 vaccines?

There are no head-to-head data directly comparing the available COVID-19 vaccines.62,77

Experts believe that the single-dose Ad26.COV2.S Janssen/J&J COVID-19 vaccine is NOT inferior to the two-dose mRNA vaccines. Differences in efficacy rates are likely due to differences in when and where trials were conducted and circulating variants.62,77

  • All currently available vaccines in U.S. and Canada are good vaccines.62,69,77 All four vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Janssen/J&J, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD) have documented:62,69,77
    • ≥85% efficacy against severe COVID-19.
    • 60% to 95% efficacy against symptomatic, laboratory confirmed COVID-19 within approved age ranges.

Experts state no preference among available COVID-19 vaccines. Think of COVID-19 vaccines like the flu vaccines, encourage eligible patients to get whichever vaccines is available to them.62,77

What are strategies to encourage patients to return for the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine?

Stress the importance of completing the vaccination series with the same vaccine (COVID-19 vaccines are NOT interchangeable), if more than one dose is needed.36,49

  • Exception to this in Canada:118 either an AstraZeneca/COVISHEIELD or an mRNA vaccine may be used for the second dose in a vaccine series that started with AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD due to the risk of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia after AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines.
  • Give patients vaccine cards with product specific information about the vaccine they received and second-dose reminders/date to return.48
  • Consider searching immunization registries if patients received their first dose somewhere else and they are not sure which vaccine they received. U.S. subscribers can review our Immunization Registry FAQs, to learn more about registry capabilities.
  • In RARE circumstances, if the first-dose vaccine product cannot be determined or is no longer available, any available mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may be given with a minimum interval of 28 days between doses to complete the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination series.49,118
    • If two doses of DIFFERENT mRNA vaccines are mistakenly given, instead of using the same product for the entire series, no additional doses are currently recommended.49

Help patients understand why two doses are used for many vaccines.

  • Vaccines work by teaching the body to recognize and fight a specific foreign substance (e.g., virus, bacteria).26
  • Vaccines do NOT replicate in our bodies like viruses and bacteria do.26
  • Think of the first dose as a primer. The body is starting from scratch to recognize and fight the virus.26
  • Think of the second dose as a booster. It provides the body another opportunity to learn how to respond, and to create even more memory cells against the virus.26

Consider these tips to improve the likelihood patients will return for second doses:

  • Make a strong recommendation to return for second doses. This can be a powerful motivator.23
  • Utilize reminder systems within your computer systems.23
  • Have patients schedule their appointment for their second dose when they receive their first dose
  • Use technology to remind patients (e.g., apps, texts, emails, phone calls)

See our toolbox, Medication Adherence Strategies, for other adherence ideas.

What happens if the second COVID-19 vaccine dose is not given on schedule (too soon or too late)?

To get the most benefit from vaccination, adhere to recommended vaccine dosing intervals.53,71

  • In general, when vaccine doses are given too close together, this can lead to a smaller immune response to the vaccine compared to when doses are given according to recommended schedules.53
  • For some vaccines, the series needs to be restarted if subsequent doses are delayed too long.54

For COVID-19 vaccines, it is too soon to know how early or late second doses will impact immunity.71 Follow local health authority guidance for specifics in your area. Generally, in:

  • U.S.: Schedule the second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine 21 days after the first dose or the second dose of the Moderna vaccine 28 days after the first dose. If it is not possible to adhere to these dosing intervals the CDC supports scheduling a second dose for the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine between 17 and 42 days after the first dose,49 and for the Moderna mRNA vaccine between 24 and 42 days after the first dose).49
    • If a dose is given earlier than day 17 (Pfizer/BioNTech) or 24 (Moderna), it is not necessary to repeat.49
    • If a dose is given later than day 21 (Pfizer/BioNTech) or 28 (Moderna), give the second dose as soon as possible, preferably within 42 days, as there are limited data beyond 42 days. Even if doses are not given within 42 days, it is not necessary to restart the series.49 Explain that the immune system “remembers” the first dose and responds to the second dose (after the minimum dosing interval) when it is given.67
  • Canada: Ideally give second vaccine doses between:69
    • Pfizer/BioNTech: 19 to 28 days after the first dose.
    • Moderna: 21 to 28 days after the first dose
    • AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD: 28 days (4 weeks) to 12 weeks after the first dose
    • If doses are being delayed in your area, second doses may be delayed up to 4 months from the first dose.

More data are needed before guidance can be given about how to handle early or late second doses of other COVID-19 vaccines being studied.

How long does it take to develop immunity after COVID-19 vaccination and how long does immunity last?

It usually takes a few weeks after any vaccination to develop immunity.35 See our chart, Vaccines for COVID-19, for specific timing to develop immunity for each of the available COVID-19 vaccines.

  • Though some protection may be provided with first doses of vaccines that require two doses, maximal protection does not seem to take effect until days to weeks after the second dose.10,41 Regardless, after vaccination, safety measures should still be used until we know more about real world protection from COVID-19.2,9

We still don’t know how long immunity after vaccination will last.2,34 Explain that we only have data for as long as the trials have been going on.9 Once we have more data about how long vaccine-induced immunity lasts, it will be possible to determine how often patients may need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to maintain immunity.2

What are some talking points about dos and don’ts after patients are fully vaccinated?

It’s okay for fully vaccinated people (i.e., at least two weeks after the final vaccine dose) with an intact immune system to resume most indoor and outdoor pre-pandemic activities without a mask.78

  • Masks may still be required in some locations based on laws, regulations, or workplace guidance (e.g., hospitals, medical offices).
  • Until we learn more about vaccine efficacy in people with a weakened immune system, even if fully vaccinated, wearing a mask may still be recommended. Advise patients to check with their prescriber.78

It is NOT necessary for fully vaccinated people to isolate after COVID-19 exposure or get tested unless you develop COVID-19 symptoms.

  • The exception to this is people who live in group settings (i.e., group home, correctional facility) should stay away from others and get tested, regardless of symptoms.78

Encourage patients to continue to:69,78

  • Follow local guidance on necessary precautions.
  • Take steps to protect yourself and others if traveling (e.g., masks may still be required on planes, buses, or other public transportation systems).
  • watch for COVID-19 symptoms, especially if you have been around someone who is sick

Explain we are still learning:9,78

  • about vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 variants.
  • how effective vaccines are in people with a weakened immune system.
  • how long vaccines are protective against COVID-19.

Implementation of safety precautions may change over time as we learn more about the protection provided by COVID-19 vaccination. The number of people who get vaccinated and virus spread in local communities may also play a role in determining this.2

Can a COVID-19 vaccine cause a COVID-19 infection?

No.34 None of the COVID-19 vaccines that are available or are currently in development use the live SARS-CoV-2 virus.6,73

Will COVID-19 vaccination lead to a positive COVID-19 test?

COVID-19 vaccination may lead to a positive test for COVID-19 antibodies (serology tests).6

COVID-19 vaccination will NOT lead to a positive test for active COVID-19 infection (molecular or polymerase chain reaction [PCR] tests and/or antigen tests).6

If vaccine supplies are limited, who will be prioritized for vaccination?

If vaccine supply is limited, follow local guidance.

In Canada, second doses are being delayed for up to four months after the first dose in order to maximize the number of people receiving the first dose.69

What do we know about COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and lactation?

Pregnant patients are at higher risk for severe illness from a COVID-19 infection or possibly preterm birth.49

There are no safety concerns from animal data with COVID-19 vaccines.49

Preliminary data from pregnant patients who have been vaccinated suggest antibodies are passed to the infant via cord blood and through breast milk.106 Data also indicate that adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes (e.g., preterm birth, neonatal death) seem similar to pre-pandemic incidence rates (data from V-SAFE pregnancy registry, note not a direct comparison).59,101

Reassure patients that experts do NOT expect available COVID-19 vaccines to pose risks to pregnant people; affect development of the placenta; or cause pregnancy loss, still birth, or congenital abnormalities.6,49,66,87

Reassure patients that available COVID-19 vaccines do NOT affect a person’s genetic material (DNA).6,22,56

Experts recommend giving the COVID-19 vaccine to pregnant and lactating patients.49,56,59 Some experts give preference to an mRNA vaccine during pregnancy, due to the possible risk with viral vector vaccines of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (referred to as vaccine induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia in Canada) and its complex management.69 Note there is no known association between this risk and pregnancy.87

  • Preliminary findings from vaccine safety-related databases (including the v-safe pregnancy registry) for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have not identified any safety concerns for vaccinated pregnant patients or their babies.30

  • Early data suggest that pregnant/lactating people mount a similar immune response to non-pregnant people.55
  • It is NOT necessary to test for pregnancy PRIOR to receiving an authorized COVID-19 vaccine.49,56,59
  • It is NOT necessary to avoid or delay pregnancy AFTER receiving an authorized COVID-19 vaccine.49,56,59,69
  • It is NOT necessary to withhold RhoGAM immune globulin (e.g., Rhogam[U.S.], WinRho S/D). It will NOT interfere with the immune response to an authorized COVID-19 vaccine.59

What do we know about COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual cycles or fertility?

Reassure patients that there are no data (as of May 11, 2021) that any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines, leads to fertility problems.13,104

  • Experts recommend the COVID-19 vaccine even if someone is actively trying to conceive or wishes to get pregnant in the future.6

Clarify that COVID-19 vaccines are not live and patients can't "shed" vaccine components. Explain this means there's no way that patients who receive a COVID-19 vaccine can impact the menstrual cycle of others around them.6

Experts recommend females receive a COVID-19 vaccine despite some women reporting menstrual irregularities after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.107,108 Explain that:6,107-109

  • menstrual irregularities were NOT noted in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials.
  • there is no biological mechanism explaining how COVID-19 vaccines lead to menstrual irregularities.
  • many things can lead to menstrual irregularities, including changes in diet, sleep, or exercise; stress; illness; etc.

What do we know about safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine in patients who are immunocompromised?

We know that people who are immunocompromised are at risk for severe illness from COVID-19.37

We also know that people who are immunocompromised may have a lesser response to vaccinations.40,92

Per the CDC, it is acceptable to offer a COVID-19 vaccine to patients with immunocompromising conditions (e.g., cancer, HIV, taking an immunosuppressant or biologics).49,70 These are NOT live vaccines.

  • Be sure to counsel these patients about the potential for a reduced immune response.49,70

Limited data suggest:

  • a favorable antibody response in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease) or patients taking hydroxychloroquine or TNF-alpha blockers (e.g., etanercept [Enbrel]).113
    • It’s still too early to know how antibody levels translate into protection against COVID-19.117 
  • a reduced antibody response in hemodialysis patients, solid organ transplant patients, and patients taking methotrexate, mycophenolate, chronic steroids, and Janus kinase inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib [Xeljanz]).92,114-116,120 
  • vaccination does not lead to autoimmune disease flares (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease).113

Counsel immunocompromised patients, especially patients considered extremely vulnerable, to continue to follow recommendations to reduce risk of infection (e.g., social distancing, hand washing).39,49

Who should receive an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine AFTER completing a primary vaccination series?

Early data indicate that a third mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose in some immunocompromised patients may improve antibody response.49

In the U.S., give an additional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose (after completing an initial two-dose mRNA vaccine series) to people who are considered moderately to severely immunocompromised.49

  • Use the same vaccine product as the initial two-dose series. If the specific mRNA vaccine used in the two-dose series is unavailable, the other mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may be used.49
  • Separate the third COVID-19 vaccine dose from the final dose of the initial two-dose series by at least 28 days.49
  • More than three doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are NOT recommended.49

There are not enough data to recommend giving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose to patients who were vaccinated with the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.49

Treatments and conditions that may lead to moderate to severe immune compromise (list may not be all inclusive):49

  • active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic cancers
  • post-solid organ transplant taking immunosuppressive medications
  • receipt of CAR-T cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within two years of transplant or while taking immunosuppressive medications)
  • moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • advanced or untreated HIV
  • treatment with the following medications:49
    • high-dose steroids (e.g., prednisone 20 mg or more/day or an equivalent)
    • alkylating agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide)
    • antimetabolites (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate)
    • transplant-related immunosuppressives (e.g., mycophenolate, tacrolimus, sirolimus)
    • cancer chemotherapy
    • tumor-necrosis factor blockers (e.g., infliximab, etanercept)
    • other biologics considered immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory

Can COVID-19 vaccines be given with other vaccines?

No data are available about safety or efficacy of coadministration of a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines.31 Experience with other vaccines demonstrates that immunogenicity and adverse effects are generally similar when vaccines are given simultaneously as when they are given separately (e.g., separated by 14 days).49

  • U.S.: COVID-19 vaccines may be given without regard to other vaccines. There are no data regarding adverse effects with coadministration, especially with vaccines known to have increased side effects (e.g., adjuvanted vaccines).49
    • When considering coadministration, consider recommended vaccine schedules, the patient’s risk of vaccine-preventable disease (e.g., during an outbreak or occupational exposures), and the adverse effect profile of the vaccines.49
  • Canada: Ensure a minimum 14 days AFTER receiving other vaccines before a COVID-19 vaccine is given and wait at least 28 days after the COVID-19 vaccine series before giving other vaccines.69 An exception to this could be when a vaccine is needed for postexposure prophylaxis.69

Should COVID-19 vaccines be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets?

Taking an anticoagulant or antiplatelet is NOT a contraindication to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
(e.g., aspirin, warfarin, enoxaparin, clopidogrel, apixaban).63-65

As with all other vaccines given IM, consider the following to minimize bleeding risk:63-65

  • Use a fine-gauge needle (e.g., 23-gauge, 25-gauge).
  • Apply firm pressure (without rubbing) to the injection site for at least two to three minutes after the injection.

Reassure patients that vaccination benefits outweigh the small risk of bruising. Serious effects are NOT expected. Advise patients to monitor for bleeding or bruising and to report unusual or excessive bleeding or bruising to their healthcare provider.65

Should someone who has COVID-19 or who was previously infected get vaccinated?

Previous COVID-19 infection (with or without symptoms) is NOT a contraindication to COVID-19 vaccination.29

It may be reasonable for people with recent COVID-19 infections to temporarily delay COVID-19 vaccination (especially when vaccine supply is limited), as the risk of reinfection is low in the months after initial infection, but infection risk may increase over time.29,49

Defer vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine until patients have recovered from the acute COVID-19 illness and meet criteria to stop isolation (including patients who develop COVID-19 in between doses one and two of the vaccine).49

There is NOT clear guidance on whether or not to give COVID-19 vaccines to someone with an acute illness (other than COVID-19). In general, moderate to severe illness is considered a precaution against vaccination (as vaccination side effects can make it difficult to assess management of the acute illness), while vaccination during a mild illness (with or without fever) is not a precaution.43

Should someone who previously received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma for COVID-19 get vaccinated?

There are no data about the use of COVID-19 vaccines in patients who received either monoclonal antibody therapy or convalescent plasma.49,69

To avoid any possibility of lessening a patient’s immune response to a COVID-19 vaccine, wait at least 90 days before vaccinating a patient who received either monoclonal antibody therapy (e.g., bamlanivimab, bamlanivimab/etesevimab [U.S. only], casirivimab/imdevimab) or convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19.49 Waiting 90 days before vaccinating applies to patients before receiving any dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or who are in the middle of the vaccination series.49 In Canada, no specific timing recommendations can be made. Instead, involve an expert and make timing decisions on a case-by-case basis.69

Do COVID-19 vaccines contain aborted fetal cells?

Available COVID-19 vaccines do NOT contain fetal cells.60,83-86

Fetal cells lines are used in development, production, and/or confirmatory tests of available COVID-19 and some other vaccines (e.g., hepatitis A, rubella, shingles).83,85 For example, decades old fetal cell lines are used:60,83-86

  • to confirm that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are taken up by cells and used as a blueprint to make a
    SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
  • to grow the adenovirus used in the viral vector vaccines, but are filtered out during the vaccine production process.

What is the role for antibody testing to assess COVID-19 immunity?

Antibody testing is NOT recommended to check immune status after COVID-19 vaccination.49,117

  • Available antibody tests are not authorized to assess immune response to vaccines.49,117
  • Reassure patients that a negative antibody test after COVID-19 vaccination does not equate to a lack of protection. Not all authorized COVID-19 antibody tests detect the IgG and IgM antibodies to the “spike protein” used in COVID-19 vaccines.49 Antibody tests also do NOT tell us about B- or T-lymphocyte activity (e.g., B cells, T cells) which are also tools the immune system uses to mount an immune response.35 This means a fully vaccinated patient could have a negative antibody test with some tests.
  • Explain to patients that additional vaccine doses are NOT recommended based on a negative COVID-19 antibody test after vaccination.49
  • If patients get an antibody test in the middle of a COVID-19 vaccination series, encourage them to complete the series regardless of the antibody test result.49

Antibody testing is NOT recommended as part of the decision-making process about when patients with a prior COVID-19 infection should receive a COVID-19 vaccine.49 See the row “Should someone who has COVID-19 or who was previously infected get vaccinated?” for details on vaccination after a COVID-19 infection.

What should U.S. healthcare providers know about billing for COVID-19 vaccinations?

There will be no charge to patients for the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are currently purchased by the government. You will only be billing for the administration fee, not for the vaccine itself.2

To ensure pharmacies are appropriately reimbursed for the administrative fee, it is recommended to enter the following:24

  • Quantity: use the volume to be injected for the specific vaccine being administered
  • Days’ supply: “1”
  • Professional services code: MA
  • Ingredient cost: $0.00 or $0.01 depending on the payer
  • Submission clarification code (SCC) (for vaccines requiring two doses):
    • “2” for the first dose (i.e., “other override” defined as, “used when authorized by the payer in business cases not currently addressed by other SCC values,” to indicate giving the first dose of a two-dose vaccine).
    • “6” for the second dose (i.e., “starter dose” defined as, “the pharmacist is indicating that the previous medication was a starter dose and now additional medication is needed to continue treatment,” to indicate giving the final dose of a two-dose vaccine).

Proposed reimbursement rates for COVID-19 vaccine administration fees:74

  • First or second dose of a two-dose vaccine: $40 (a total of $80 for a two-dose series)
  • Dose of a single-dose vaccine: $40
  • Medicare also authorizes an additional $35 per dose for at home administration to help with access.  See https://www.cms.gov/files/document/vaccine-home.pdf for details and required documentation.121

COVID-19 vaccine and administrative CPT (current procedural technology) billing codes:24

  • Pfizer/BioNTech: 91300 (vaccine); 0001A (administering first dose); 0002A (administering second dose)
  • Moderna: 91301 (vaccine); 0011A (administering first dose); 0012A (administering second dose)
  • AstraZeneca: 91302 (vaccine); 0021A (administering first dose); 0022A (administering second dose)
  • Janssen/J&J: 91303 (vaccine); 0031A (single dose)

For additional medicare billing information(how to submit claims including institutional, professional, and for centralized billing), go to https://www.cms.gov/medicare/covid-19/medicare-billing-covid-19-vaccine-shot-administration.

For additional pharmacist-specific reimbursement information for COVID-19 vaccine administration (e.g., steps to take to ensure eligibility for reimbursement, becoming eligible to give vaccines under Medicare, how to handle uninsured patients), go to https://www.pharmacist.com/sites/default/files/audience/APhACOVIDReimbursementforAdmin_1220_web.pdf.
  1. For more information about the V-SAFE monitoring system go to https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2020-09/COVID-03-Shimabukuro.pdf.
  2. Operation Warp Speed is comprised of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Department of Defense (DoD).

References

  1. FDA. Vaccines and related biological products advisory committee meeting December 17, 2020. FDA briefing document. Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. https://www.fda.gov/media/144434/download. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  2. CDC. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination. Updated May 12, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  3. CDC. Vaccines & immunizations: immunity types. March 10, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.htm. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  4. CDC. Vaccines & immunizations: answering patients’ questions. April 5, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/answering-questions.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  5. CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Long-term effects of COVID-19. April 8, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  6. CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccines. July 7, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html. (Accessed August 16, 2021).
  7. Anderson EJ, Rouphael NG, Widge AT, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccine in older adults. N Engl J Med 2020;383:2427-38.
  8. FDA. Vaccines and related biological products advisory committee meeting December 10, 2020. FDA briefing document. Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. https://www.fda.gov/media/144245/download. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  9. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Questions and answers about COVID-19 vaccines. April 23, 2021. https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/making-vaccines/prevent-covid. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  10. Product monograph for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Kirkland, QC H9J 2M5. May 2021.
  11. U.S. Department of Defense. Coronavirus: operation warp speed. https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Operation-Warp-Speed/. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  12. CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Frequently asked questions. May 7, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#Spread. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  13. CDC. COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines while pregnant or breastfeeding. May 14, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html. (Accessed May 24, 2021).
  14. Katella K. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine and blood clots: what you need to know. April 23, 2021. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/the-covid-vaccine-blood-clots. (Accessed April 26, 2021).
  15. Folegatti PM, Ewer KJ, Aley PK, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: a preliminary report of a phase1/2, single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2020;396:467-78.
  16. CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. April 12, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  17. CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. April 22, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  18. Walsh EE, Frenck RW Jr, Falsey AR, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of two RNA-based COVID-19 vaccine candidates. N Engl J Med 2020;383:2439-50.
  19. The White House. Press briefing by White House COVID-19 response team and public health officials. April 14, 2021. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/14/press-briefing-by-white-house-covid-19-response-team-and-public-health-officials-28/. (Accessed April 26, 2021).
  20. CDC. COVID-19 vaccination communication toolkit. Updated December 21, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-systems-communication-toolkit.html. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  21. CDC. COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease). Key things to know about COVID-19 vaccines. May 12, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  22. CDC. Vaccines & Immunizations. Understanding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. March 4, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/mrna-vaccine-basics.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  23. CDC. ACIP COVID-19 vaccines work group. November 23, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2020-11/COVID-01-Bell.pdf. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  24. National Community Pharmacists Association. COVID-19 vaccine billing and reimbursement. December 10, 2020. https://ncpa.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/COVID-19_vaccine_billing_for_NCPA_Members_12.10.2020.pdf. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  25. CDC. Ad26COV2.S vaccine Janssen ACIP presentation. April 14, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2021-04/02-COVID-Janssen-508.pdf. (Accessed April 26, 2021).
  26. Sanchez, K. The first COVID-19 vaccines will likely require two shots. November 20, 2020. https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/20/21587664/pfizer-moderna-covid-19-coronavirus-vaccine-two-doses-shots. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  27. Government of Canada. Drugs and vaccines for COVID-19. May 3, 2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/about.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  28. Government of Canada. Health Canada’s regulatory response to COVID-19: International engagement. March 4, 2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/engaging-international-partners.html. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  29. CDC. Vaccine recommendations and guidelines of the ACIP. Interim considerations for COVID-19 vaccination of healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents. December 3, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/vacc-specific/covid-19/clinical-considerations.html. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  30. CDC. COVID-19: V-safe COVID-19 vaccine pregnancy registry. August 17, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafepregnancyregistry.html. (Accessed August 17, 2021).
  31. American Medical Association. AMA COVID-19 daily video update: Sandra Fryhofer, MD, discusses the latest on phase 3 vaccine trials. September 25, 2020. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/sandra-fryhofer-md-discusses-latest-phase-3-vaccines-trials. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  32. Harvard Gazette. Health and Medicine. Fauci says herd immunity possible by fall, ‘normality’ by end of 2021. December 10, 2020. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/12/anthony-fauci-offers-a-timeline-for-ending-covid-19-pandemic/. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  33. Sadoff J, Le Gars M, Shukarev G, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of the Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccine candidate: interim results of a phase 1/2a, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.23.20199604v1.full.pdf. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  34. American Pharmacists Association. APhA COVID-19 resources: know the facts. https://pharmacist.com/Practice/COVID-19/Know-the-Facts. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  35. CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Understanding how CVOID-19 vaccines work. May 27, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html. (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  36. CDC. COVID-19 vaccination program interim playbook for jurisdiction operations. October 29, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/downloads/COVID-19-Vaccination-Program-Interim_Playbook.pdf. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  37. CDC. COVID-19. People with certain medical conditions. April 29, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  38. FDA. Fact sheet for healthcare providers administering vaccine (vaccination providers). Emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). March 31, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/media/144637/download. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  39. NHS. Independent report: Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation: advice on priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination, 30 December 2020. Updated January 6, 2021. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-advice-from-the-jcvi-30-december-2020/joint-committee-on-vaccination-and-immunisation-advice-on-priority-groups-for-covid-19-vaccination-30-december-2020. (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  40. American Society of Hematology. General principles of COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised patients (version 3.0; last updated April 5, 2021). https://www.hematology.org/covid-19/ash-astct-covid-19-and-vaccines. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  41. Polack FP, Thomas SJ, Kitchin N, et al. Safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine. N Engl J Med 2020;383:2603-15.
  42. NC Department of Health and Human Services. CDC finds no safety issues, recommends continuing to administer vaccine following limited reactions at Wake County vaccine event. April 9, 2021. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/cdc-finds-no-safety-issues-recommends-continuing-administer-vaccine-following. (Accessed April 26, 2021).
  43. Immunization Action Coalition. Ask the experts: contraindications and precautions. September 1, 2020. https://www.immunize.org/askexperts/contraindications-precautions.asp. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  44. Voysey M, Clemens SAC, Madhi SA, et al. Safety and efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222) against SARS-CoV-2: an interim analysis of four randomised controlled trials in Brazil, South Africa, and the UK. Lancet 2021;397:99-111.
  45. CDC. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis after receipt of the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine – United States, December 14 – 23, 2020. January 15, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7002e1.htm. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  46. Widge AT, Rouphael NG, Jackson LA, et al. Durability of responses after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccination. N Engl J Med 2021;384:80-2.
  47. CDC. COVID-19. What to do if you have an allergic reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. March 4, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  48. National Public Radio. The coronavirus crisis. Vaccine cards and second-dose reminders are part of warp speed’s immunization plan. December 3, 2020. https://www.npr.org/2020/12/03/942294593/vaccine-cards-and-second-dose-reminders-are-part-of-warp-speeds-immunization-pla. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  49. CDC. Vaccines & immunizations. Interim clinical considerations for use of COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the United States. August 13, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html. (Accessed August 16, 2021).
  50. FDA. FDA statement: Coronavirus (COVID-19) updated: FDA holds advisory committee meeting to discuss authorization of COVID-19 vaccine candidate as part of agency’s review of safety and effectiveness data. December 10, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-holds-advisory-committee-meeting-discuss-authorization-covid-19. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  51. Mayo Clinic. Herd immunity and COVID-19 (coronavirus): what you need to know. May 5, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/herd-immunity-and-coronavirus/art-20486808. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  52. Chiu A. ‘Absolutely normal’: COVID vaccine side effects are no reason to avoid the shots, doctors say. December 3, 2020. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/vaccine-side-effects-covid/2020/12/02/55bebac0-342c-11eb-8d38-6aea1adb3839_story.html. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  53. CDC. Vaccine recommendations and guidelines of the ACIP. Timing and spacing of immunobiologics. May 4, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/timing.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  54. World Health Organization. Table 3: recommendations for interrupted or delayed routine immunization – summary of WHO position papers. Updated September 2020. https://www.who.int/immunization/policy/Immunization_routine_table3.pdf. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  55. FDA. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. August 12, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine. (Accessed August 16, 2021).
  56. Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine. Provider considerations for engaging in COVID-19 vaccine counseling with pregnant and lactating patients. March 3, 2021. https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.smfm.org/media/2838/Provider_Considerations_for_Engaging_in_COVID_Vaccination_Considerations_3-3-21_(final).pdf. (Accessed May 7, 2021).
  57. Government of Canada. Health Canada provides update on the AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccines. April 16, 2021. https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2021/75389a-eng.php (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  58. Government of Canada. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: Health Canada recommendations for people with serious allergies. December 16, 2020. https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/74543a-eng.php. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  59. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. COVID-19 vaccination considerations for obstetric-gynecologic care.  Practice Advisory.  December 2020 (Last updated July 30, 2021).  https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2020/12/covid-19-vaccination-considerations-for-obstetric-gynecologic-care.  (Accessed August 16, 2021).
  60. North Dakota Health. COVID-19 vaccines & fetal cell lines. April 20, 2021. https://www.health.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/COVID%20Vaccine%20Page/COVID-19_Vaccine_Fetal_Cell_Handout.pdf. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  61. FDA. Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meeting. FDA briefing document: Janssen Ad26.COV2.S vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19. February 26, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/media/146217/download. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  62. CDC. What clinicians need to know about Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Clinical Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) webinar. March 2, 2021. https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_030221.asp. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  63. CDC. Prevaccination checklist for COVID-19 vaccines. May 7, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/pre-vaccination-screening-form.pdf. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  64. North American Thrombosis Forum. COVID-19 vaccine update. April 24, 2021. https://natfonline.org/2021/04/covid-19-vaccine-update/. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  65. Thrombosis Canada. Thrombosis Canada encourages patients on anticoagulation to get the COVID-19 vaccine. December 22, 2020. https://thrombosiscanada.ca/wp-uploads/uploads/2020/12/National-Release-VACCINES-Final-Dec-22.pdf. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  66. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) patient management and clinical recommendations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Update no. 12 – testing and vaccine truths. January 18, 2021. https://www.asrm.org/globalassets/asrm/asrm-content/news-and-publications/covid-19/covidtaskforceupdate12.pdf. (Accessed May 7, 2021).
  67. Iacobucci G, Mahase E. COVID-19 vaccination: what’s the evidence for extending the dosing interval? January 6, 2021. https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n18. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  68. Health Canada. Health Canada authorizes use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children 12 to 15 years of age. May 5, 2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2021/05/health-canada-authorizes-use-of-the-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-in-children-12-to-15-years-of-age.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  69. Health Canada. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): statements and publications. Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines. July 22, 2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines.html. (Accessed August 16, 2021).
  70. CDC. COVID-19. Vaccination considerations for persons with underlying medical conditions. June 16, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions.html. (Accessed July 13, 2021).
  71. FDA. FDA statement on following authorized dosing schedules for COVID-19 vaccines. January 4, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-statement-following-authorized-dosing-schedules-covid-19-vaccines. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  72. Jenco M. Study: 33% of children hospitalized with COVID-19 admitted to ICU. August 7, 2020. https://www.aappublications.org/news/2020/08/07/covid19hospitalization080720. (Accessed May 12, 2021).
  73. CDC. Vaccines and immunizations: understanding and explaining viral vector COVID-19 vaccines. April 13, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/viral-vector-vaccine-basics.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  74. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Press release: Biden-Harris administration increases medicare payment for life-saving COVID-19 vaccine. March 15, 2021. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-increases-medicare-payment-life-saving-covid-19-vaccine. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  75. CDC. COVID-19: COVID-19 in children and teens. Updated March 17, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/symptoms.html. (Accessed May 12, 2021).
  76. Shimabukuro T, Nair N. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis after receipt of the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. JAMA 2021;325:780-1.
  77. Newburger E. Fauci says all three COVID vaccines are highly effective, urges people to take shot most available. February 28, 2021. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/28/fauci-all-three-covid-vaccines-highly-effective-urges-people-to-take-available-shot.html. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  78. CDC. COVID-19: When you’ve been fully vaccinated. May 13, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html. (Accessed May 14, 2021).
  79. Product monograph for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. AstraZeneca Canada. Mississauga, ON L4Y 1M4. April 2021.
  80. CDC. COVID-19: information about COVID-19 vaccines for people with allergies. March 25, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/specific-groups/allergies.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  81. Product monograph for Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Janssen. Toronto, ON M3C 1L9. April 2021.
  82. FDA. Fact sheet for healthcare providers administering vaccine (vaccination providers). Emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). July 8, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/media/146304/download. (Accessed July 13, 2021).
  83. Charlotte Lozier Institute. Update: COVID-19 vaccine candidates and aborted derived cell lines. March 3, 2021. https://s27589.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/COVID-19-Vaccine-Candidates-and-Abortion-Derived-Cell-Lines-MArch-3-21.pdf. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  84. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. MMI in the news. https://www.jhsph.edu/departments/w-harry-feinstone-department-of-molecular-microbiology-and-immunology/in-the-news/. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  85. WANDTV. Springfield diocese asking Catholics to avoid Johnson and Johnson vaccine due to fetal cell line usage. March 3, 2021. https://www.wandtv.com/news/springfield-diocese-asking-catholics-to-avoid-johnson-johnson-vaccine-due-to-fetal-cell-line-usage/article_23c32e66-7c9d-11eb-a4b5-3ba3a39a846d.html. (Accessed March 18, 20201).
  86. Johnson LS. Verify: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine does not use fetal cells. December 9, 2020. https://www.kare11.com/article/news/verify/verify-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-contains-no-fetal-fragments/507-3948f81c-aa5b-4046-a629-3e1e5a4b6dbb. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  87. Poliquin V, Castillo E, Boucoiran I, et al. SOGC statement on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy. Revised and reaffirmed May 25, 2021. https://www.sogc.org/common/Uploaded%20files/Latest%20News/SOGC_Statement_COVID-19_Vaccination_in_Pregnancy.pdf. (Accessed August 16, 2021).
  88. CDC. Vaccines & immunizations. Local reactions, systemic reactions, adverse events, and serious adverse events: Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. December 20, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/moderna/reactogenicity.html. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  89. CDC. Vaccines & immunizations. Local reactions, systemic reactions, adverse events, and serious adverse events: Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. December 13, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/reactogenicity.html. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  90. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN: cancer and COVID-19 vaccination. Recommendations of the NCCN COVID_19 vaccination advisory committee. March 10, 2021. https://www.nccn.org/docs/default-source/covid-19/2021_covid-19_vaccination_guidance_v2-0.pdf. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  91. European Medicines Agency. Meeting highlights from the pharmacovigilance risk assessment committee (PRAC) 8-11 March 12, 2021. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-8-11-march-2021. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  92. Boyarsky BJ, Werbel WA, Avery RK, et al. Immunogenicity of single dose of SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA vaccine in solid organ transplant recipients. JAMA 2021;325:1784-6.
  93. Thomson H. Children with long covid. New Sci 2021;249:10-11.
  94. Cleveland Clinic. Should you be worried about COVID arm? February 17, 2021. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-you-be-worried-about-covid-arm/. (Accessed March 18, 2021).
  95. CDC. COVID-19. Interim clinical guidance for management of patients with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Updated February 16, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html.
  96. Product monograph for COVISHIELD. Verity Pharmaceuticals. Mississauga, ON L4W 4Y9. April 2021.
  97. Government of Canada. AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and COVISHIELD risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia. Updated April 17, 2021. https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2021/75211a-eng.php. (Accessed April 26, 2021).
  98. CDC. CDC recommends use of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine resume. Updated May 6, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/JJUpdate.html. (Accessed May 13, 2021).
  99. European Medicines Agency. AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine: EMA finds possible link to very rare cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets. April 7, 2021. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccine-ema-finds-possible-link-very-rare-cases-unusual-blood-clots-low-blood. (Accessed April 26, 2021).
  100. CDC. Emergency preparedness and response. Cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with thrombocytopenia after receipt of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. April 13, 2021. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00442.asp. (Accessed April 26, 2021).
  101. Shimabukuro TT, Kim SY, Myers TR, et al. Preliminary findings of mRNA Covid-19 vaccine safety in pregnant persons. N Engl J Med 2021;384:2273-82.
  102. ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/. (Accessed May 10, 2021).
  103. Pfizer. Pfizer-BioNTech announces positive topline results of pivotal COVID-19 vaccine study in adolescents. March 31, 2021. https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results-pivotal. (Accessed May 10, 2021).
  104. LaMotte S. There is no link between the COVID-19 vaccines and infertility. Here's why. May 10, 2021. https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/10/health/covid-vaccine-infertility-myth-wellness/index.html. (Accessed May 10, 2021).
  105. FDA. Fact sheet for healthcare providers administering vaccine (vaccination providers). Emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Revised May 19, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download. (Accessed May 24, 2021).
  106. Collier AY, McMahan K, Yu J, et al. Immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in pregnant and lactating women. JAMA 2021;325:2370-80.
  107. Reuters fact check. Fact-check-COVID vaccines do not 'shed' from one person to another and then cause reproductive problems. April 23, 2021. https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-covid19vaccine-reproductivepro/fact-check-covid-vaccines-do-not-shed-from-one-person-to-another-and-then-cause-reproductive-problems-idUSL1N2MG256. (Accessed May 20, 2021).
  108. Nebraska Medicine. COVID-19 vaccines, irregular periods and spike protein shedding. April 24, 2021. https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/the-covid-19-vaccines-irregular-periods-and-spike-protein-shedding. (Accessed May 20, 2021).
  109. Armitage M. Is the COVID-19 vaccine affecting my period? April 29 2021. https://www.goodrx.com/blog/covid-19-vaccine-impact-on-period/. (Accessed May 20, 2021).
  110. CDC. COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines work. May 20, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/work.html. (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  111. CDC. ACIP COVID-19 vaccines. Update on emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine considerations. May 12, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2021-05-12/10-COVID-Scobie-508.pdf. (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  112. Shaw RH, Stuart A, Greenland M, et al. Heterologous prime-boost COVID-19 vaccination: initial reactogenicity data. Lancet 2021;397:2043-6.
  113. Geisen UM, Berner DK, Tran F, et al. Immunogenicity and safety of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions and immunosuppressive therapy in a monocentric cohort. Ann Rheum Dis 2021 Mar 24. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220272.
  114. Rozen-Zvi B, Yahav D, Agur T, et al. Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine among kidney transplant recipients: a prospective cohort study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021 May 3. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.04.028.
  115. Simon B, Rubey H, Treipl A, et al. Haemodialysis patients show a highly diminished antibody response after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination compared to health controls. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2021 May 17. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfab179.
  116. Haberman RH, Herati R, Simon D, et al. Methotrexate hampers immunogenicity to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Ann Rheum Dis 2021 May 25. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220597.
  117. FDA. Antibody testing is not currently recommended to assess immunity after COVID-19 vaccination: FDA safety communication. May 19, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/antibody-testing-not-currently-recommended-assess-immunity-after-covid-19-vaccination-fda-safety. (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  118. Government of Canada. Summary of NACI rapid response of June 1, 2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/rapid-response-interchangeability/summary.html. (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  119. CDC. Vaccines & Immunizations. Clinical considerations: myocarditis and pericarditis after receipt of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines among adolescents and young adults. May 28, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/myocarditis.html. (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  120. Deepak P, Kim W, Paley MA, et al. Glucocorticoids and B cell depleting agents substantially impair immunogenicity of mRNA vaccines to SARS-CoV-2. MedRxiv 2021 Apr 9. doi: 10.1101/2021.04.05.21254656. Preprint.
  121. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare payment for COVID-19 vaccination administration in the home. June 2021. https://www.cms.gov/files/document/vaccine-home.pdf. (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  122. Government of Canada. Reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination in Canada. Updated June 18, 2021. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/vaccine-safety/#specialInterest. (Accessed June 22, 2021).
  123. Joi P. Is it safe to mix and match COVID-19 vaccines? May 28, 2021. https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/it-safe-mix-and-match-covid-19-vaccines. (Accessed June 15, 2021).
  124. Antrim A. FDA to attach warning for Guillain-Barre syndrome to Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. July 12, 2021. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-to-attach-warning-for-guillain-barre-syndrome-to-johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine. (Accessed July 13, 2021).

Cite this document as follows:  Clinical Resource, Communicating About COVID-19 Vaccination. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter.  April 2021.  [370401]

Related Articles