STATEMENT FROM NADF'S MEDICAL DIRECTOR ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE
December 17, 2020
Many are questioning whether the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for those with adrenal insufficiency. After a review, NADF’s Medical Advisor Dr. Margulies provided this statement:
“At this time, I am satisfied that the FDA has done the appropriate review of the Pfizer vaccine, and I am enthusiastic about recommending it to every adult. I plan to take it myself. There is no reason for anyone with adrenal insufficiency, whether primary or secondary, to avoid this vaccine. It is as safe as the influenza vaccine. It has mild side effects, such as sore arm, mild fever and fatigue that last about one day. The Moderna vaccine will be reviewed soon, but so far it looks very similar to the Pfizer product. Unless something surprising is found, I expect it will also be suitable for every adult.”
Additional information:
Many people in the clinical trials had some short-term side effects from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. The side effects are usually not serious -- one of the most common is a sore or achy arm. Some people develop low-grade fevers or chills and feel tired. This is because the vaccine is working and causing a response from the immune system. As always, follow NADF’s stress dosing guidelines to determine if you need additional steroids.
As always, you and your doctor should decide together if the vaccine is right for you and, if so, which one.
Many are questioning whether the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for those with adrenal insufficiency. After a review, NADF’s Medical Advisor Dr. Margulies provided this statement:
“At this time, I am satisfied that the FDA has done the appropriate review of the Pfizer vaccine, and I am enthusiastic about recommending it to every adult. I plan to take it myself. There is no reason for anyone with adrenal insufficiency, whether primary or secondary, to avoid this vaccine. It is as safe as the influenza vaccine. It has mild side effects, such as sore arm, mild fever and fatigue that last about one day. The Moderna vaccine will be reviewed soon, but so far it looks very similar to the Pfizer product. Unless something surprising is found, I expect it will also be suitable for every adult.”
Additional information:
Many people in the clinical trials had some short-term side effects from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. The side effects are usually not serious -- one of the most common is a sore or achy arm. Some people develop low-grade fevers or chills and feel tired. This is because the vaccine is working and causing a response from the immune system. As always, follow NADF’s stress dosing guidelines to determine if you need additional steroids.
- Remember that the Pfizer vaccine is given in two doses three weeks apart. It is more common to have side effects from the second dose than the first. You must receive both doses to get the full benefit from the vaccine.
- The vaccine may not be available to most people until spring or summer of 2021. Because of the limited supply of the vaccines, people at very high risk, such as health care providers and people who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, will get a vaccine before people whose risk of illness is lower.
As always, you and your doctor should decide together if the vaccine is right for you and, if so, which one.
