covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now approved for children ages 5 through 11 years of age.  
 
A study published by the Endocrine Society earlier this year points out that children with adrenal insufficiency have higher risk of complications and are more likely to die from COVID-19.  Taking every precaution to prevent Covid-19 in children is extremely important. 
 
Adrenal crisis threatens patients’ health in all AI individuals with fever and viral syndromes. In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, it is also important for the AI community to get the flu vaccine to reduce illness and prevent adrenal crisis.
 
Link for CDC approval here https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1102-PediatricCOVID-19Vaccine.html
 
https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/featured-science-from-endo-2021/children-with-adrenal-insufficiency-are-10-times-more-likely-to-die-from-covid

update on the covid-19 booster shots for the nadf community

Individuals should receive a booster shot if they are 65 years of age and older and have underlying medical conditions, including adrenal insufficiency. The CDC has updated their guidance on booster shots to include those with underlying conditions, including individuals on glucocorticoids. This additional information is important for our community.

• For those who received Pfizer and had 2 shots, they should now get a booster of Pfizer 6 months after the last shot if they are 65 years and older or have adrenal insufficiency.
• For those who received Moderna and had 2 shots, they should now get a booster of Moderna 6 months after the last shot if they are 65 years and older or have adrenal insufficiency.
• For those who received J&J, they should get any of the available shots 2 months after the J&J regardless of age or underlying health.  If available, the Moderna as the second shot appears to give the best immune boost, followed by Pfizer and then J&J. Any of them are better than nothing, so it comes down to availability in your neighborhood.

 
Those who are eligible can choose any of the booster shots.  Side effects from the third shot tend to be similar to the side effects from the second shot.

Please see the FDA guidelines: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-takes-additional-actions-use-booster-dose-covid-19-vaccines

"ASK THE EXPERT" on the covid vaccine and adrenal disease

NADF is excited to share an ‘Ask the Expert’ session on the topic of COVID-19 and the vaccine. The video features NADF’s Executive Director, Lori Engler with expert, Gary D. Hammer, MD, PhD.  Dr. Gary Hammer is a Professor in the Departments of Internal Medicine (Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes), Cell & Developmental Biology, and Molecular & Integrative Physiology at the University of Michigan (UofM).

COVID-19 Vaccine Education

SHOULD INDIVIDUALS WITH AI STRESS DOSE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE COVID-19 VACCINE?

"I do not advise using extra glucocorticoids on the day before or on the day of vaccination. I suggest the individual with adrenal insufficiency wait to see if significant side effects occur, usually the day after the vaccine. If there is fever, significant muscle aches and pains, and especially nausea or any typical adrenal insufficiency symptoms, I would then add stress dose steroids in addition to treating any fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

I have spoken to many of my patients about their experiences, and many report no side effects at all. Those that did have significant symptoms were individuals who had a history of acute Covid-19 infection earlier in the year, and then had the vaccine."

-- Dr. Paul Margulies, Medical Director of NADF

STATEMENT FROM NADF'S MEDICAL DIRECTOR ABOUT THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON COVID-19 VACCINE
https://www.nadf.us/vaccine-statement-jj.html​

FROM THE CDC: WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER GETTING A COVID-19 VACCINE
​https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html

FROM THE CDC: VACCINE CONSIDERATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions.html

STRESS DOSING GUIDELINES
​Click link

STATEMENT FROM NADF'S MEDICAL DIRECTOR ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE
https://www.nadf.us/vaccine-statement.html