Are there medical reasons to not get the COVID-19 vaccine?
There are very few medical reasons not to have a COVID-19 vaccine. Some reasons include a history of severe allergic reactions, pericarditis, or endocarditis following a prior COVID-19 vaccine.
People considering a COVID-19 vaccine may worry about complications and side effects. Yet for almost all individuals, the known risks of getting COVID-19 far outweigh any potential risks of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The risks of COVID-19 are even higher for people with chronic health conditions or other medical conditions that weaken their immune systems.
The list of medical reasons not to get a vaccine is short, but some people may be eligible for a vaccine exemption. A person can discuss their potential risks with a doctor.
Read on to learn about the few medical reasons not to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Some groups, such as people who have a history of a mild to moderate allergic reaction to the vaccine, may still benefit from the vaccine. It is important for these people to discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine with a doctor.
Underlying medical conditions, pregnancy, and other conditions are not a reason to avoid the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC. In fact, for many people with health conditions, the risk of adverse effects from COVID-19 makes it particularly important to get vaccinated.
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A medical exemption means that a person is not required to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Because no national or state-level vaccine requirement exists, medical exemptions apply to specific scenarios only.
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A contraindication is a condition that increases the risk of a serious adverse reaction, and a person should not receive the vaccine in these cases. A precaution refers to a condition that may increase the risk of a serious adverse reaction. A person may receive the vaccination if the benefits outweigh the risks.
The clinical considerations for the COVID-19 vaccination are as follows:
- Severe allergy to the COVID-19 vaccine: A person who has experienced a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to a prior COVID-19 vaccine should not receive that same vaccine again. This is the only contraindication listed. A person can receive an alternative COVID-19 vaccine type.
- Non-severe allergy to a previous COVID-19 vaccine: For a person who had a mild or moderate allergic reaction, the benefits of the vaccine still usually outweigh the risks. A person can receive an alternative COVID-19 vaccine type.
- Allergy to COVID-19 vaccine components: A person who has a known allergy or a history of a severe allergic reaction to any component of a COVID-19 vaccine should not receive any vaccine containing that ingredient. Instead, a person may receive an alternative COVID-19 vaccine type.
- Moderate or severe illness: People who have a current acute illness should delay vaccination until their symptoms go away.
- History of MIS-C or MIS-A: A person with a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome should still consider vaccination if it has been 90 days or longer since their symptoms went away. A person should talk with a doctor about the timing of the vaccine if that person is still undergoing treatment.
- Myocarditis or pericarditis: A person with a history of myocarditis or pericarditis within 3 weeks after a COVID-19 vaccination should typically not get another COVID-19 vaccine.
Some workplaces or schools use this list. Others offer a wider range of exemptions that extend beyond medical reasons. These may include exceptions for religious or personal beliefs.
Alternative COVID-19 vaccine types for those with allergies
A healthcare professional may administer an alternative COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax, to those with a history of allergies or allergic reactions to messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna. Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine.
Protein subunit vaccines
To find out if a person is medically exempt, consider the following:
- Determine which specific entity a person seeks an exemption from, such as school or work.
- Ask for a copy of that entity’s COVID-19 policy.
- Check whether the person has a medical condition listed on the exemption list.
People with serious underlying medical conditions have a higher risk of dying from COVID-19. They are also more likely to experience complications that require hospitalization. The vaccine greatly reduces the risk of dying from COVID-19.
Children can get the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends that most people ages 18 years and older receive an annual COVID-19 vaccine and take part in shared decision making for children ages 6 months to 17 years. Shared decision making means a person and their doctor work together to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all children ages 6 months or older.
People who are pregnant or have recently been pregnant have a higher risk of complications from COVID-19. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends vaccination for all pregnant people.
Research from 2022 suggests that the COVID-19 vaccine may help the body produce antibodies that appear in breast milk. These antibodies may help protect the nursing baby.
As with the general population, people with autoimmune diseases should receive a COVID-19 vaccine in an age-appropriate dose.
The American Cancer Society states that those with cancer or a history of cancer can get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the vaccine may be less effective in some people.
Additionally, some vaccine types may not be safe depending on the type of cancer and the treatment they are undergoing.
A person can speak with a doctor about the safety of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
After a COVID-19 infection, a person may have some temporary immunity. However, the CDC states that getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a safer and more reliable way to build protection.
The CDC says that a person may delay their vaccine by up to 3 months following a COVID-19 infection, but that they should still choose vaccination.
It is common to fear something new, like a vaccine, and it is a good idea to be mindful of what one puts in their body. However, COVID-19 itself is much more dangerous than any purported vaccine side effects.
The vaccine provides significant protection that can save a person’s life. People who have anxiety about the vaccine should talk with a healthcare professional they trust and ask about research relevant to them and their health.
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