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Questions Answered about the mRNA Covid-19 Vaccines

John Maniaci—UW Health/ReutersJohn Maniaci—UW Health/Reuters

I have some answers to some questions I have been asked about Covid-19 mRNA Vaccines, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Moderna. Other types of Covid-19 vaccines may be available in the future in the US.

1) Both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a history of allergy to Polyethylene glycol or any polysorbate product is a contraindication to the vaccine.

2) The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology states pregnant and lactating women can get mRNA Covid-19 vaccines.  Messenger RNA is NOT taken up by the genetic material of the person’s immune cells, pregnant woman with Covid-19 have a higher risk of becoming severely ill with Covid-19 and are considered in phase 1 of immunization after healthcare workers.  Data of side effects of these mRNA vaccines are being collected.  https://www.acog.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccines-and-pregnancy-conversation-guide-for-clinicians

3) Approved for ages:  Pfizer-BioNTech: ages ≥16 years, Moderna: ages ≥18 years

4) A person must wait 3 months after Covid-19 illness or infusion with Covid-19 monoclonal antibody to receive the vaccine.

5) mRNA vaccine can be given at any time after another vaccine, examples; influenza, pneumonia, tetanus, pertussis, or shingles vaccines.