The current Covid vaccines available in the US are produced by Pfizer and Moderna pharmaceuticals. These MRNA vaccines produce spike proteins to which our bodies build immunoglobulins(IgG) to help prevent getting the Covid virus. These are not live vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine needs a booster 3 weeks after the first dose. The Moderna vaccines booster is given 4 weeks later.

Common side effects include pain at the injection site, headaches, fatigue and low grade fever. These symptoms are mild and short lived and commonly seen with many vaccines. Having underlying food and medication allergies are not risk factors for the Covid vaccine. A history of a severe allergic reactions(anaphylaxis) to previous vaccines maybe a contraindication to getting the Covid vaccine. A preservative polyethylene glycol(PEG) sensitivity maybe responsible for these reactions. The Covid vaccine does not contain Thimerasol or eggs similar to other vaccines. Patients with underlying diseases such as allergies, asthma, diabetes and hypertension will tolerate these vaccine without concern.

Patients on topical corticosteroids for allergies, asthma and eczema much like patients on biological therapy with Cinqair, Dupixent, Fasenra, Nucala and Xolair do well with the Covid vaccines. Any patient on chemotherapeutic or immunosuppressant therapy should review safety with their primary care physicians or their Oncologist prior to receiving this vaccine. We look forward to vaccinating patients in our office in the near future when we have obtained the vaccine from NYS.